There has been praise for ongoing work on the regeneration of the Kilcooley Estate in Bangor.

Stormont Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has visited the Co Down seaside town to see at first hand the work being done to regenerate the area.

During yesterday's visit, the Minister met with local residents and community workers and heard them speak of the confidence and hopes they had for the future.

Alex Attwood said: "I am committed, through my Department's Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, to make a difference to the lives of people in the most disadvantaged estates such as Kilcooley. I want to target resources in a way which has maximum impact and I want to work with communities to achieve that.

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"Much of the good work in Kilcooley would not have been possible without the intervention of my Department. It has, since 2005, invested almost £4 million on a range of projects brought forward through the Neighbourhood Renewal and housing improvement programmes."

The Minister paid tribute to those who worked hard to help regenerate the area: "I would like to pay tribute to all who have worked together, at times in difficult circumstances and against the odds to improve the future prospects for the estate.

"I would particularly commend the Kilcooley Community Forum, the Kilcooley Women's Centre, Bangor Alternatives and the Kilcooley Neighbourhood Partnership for their hard work and coordination.

"But there are issues that still need to be resolved, including the erection of paramilitary memorials. I repeat that this should be rectified and I shall press for this to happen."

(GK)