North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds has hailed the proposed reallocation of European funding for a multi-million pound redevelopment of the Valley Park in Newtownabbey.

Newtownabbey Borough Councils project, 'Voices from the Valley Park', has been offered £3.5 million pounds from the E.U's funding body, The SEUPB, to develop its shared space project in the heart of Newtownabbey.

Welcoming the decision Mr Dodds said: "I have long been an advocate of the ‘Voices from the Valley Park Project.’ Newtownabbey Council had previously just missed out on European funding for this project, so when funding became available last year I was determined to ensure that this bid would be successful."

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The £3 million redevelopment will see the delivery of new 3G football pitches, a linear Park and an Adventure Playground facility which will create a new shared space for the community in the heart of the Borough.

Mr Dodds continued: "Over the past number of months much work has gone on behind the scenes in order to secure this funding, which will see the transformation of the park. Local residents and the wider community will benefit from not only a state of the art play facility, but also a new hub for community life.

"Much credit must go to my party colleague Diane Dodds MEP who has dedicated a huge amount of time and effort in support of the Council's bid, including meeting with the SEUPB and the Minister of Finance in support of the reallocation of funding to the Valley Park."

(CD/MH)