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The Minister received a tour of the Bertie Peacock community building, part-funded by the DSD’s Neighbourhood Renewal scheme, which consists of enterprise units, offices and community facilities.
The project has been delivered through West Bann Development Ltd, who the Minister commended for its work in tackling social deprivation in the area.
Ms Ritchie said: "West Bann Development Ltd has made a vital contribution to the local community over the past decade. This centre provides real and significant benefits to local people and I am glad that I have been able to provide funding to support it."
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The centre also provides a wide range of social activities, including baby yoga, gymnastics, karate, pilates, podiatry, cultural evenings and tea dances.
The group employs an early years co-ordinator who, working alongside Surestart and local nurseries and playgroups, oversees provision of children’s services in the area and provides positive parenting courses, personal development courses, nurturing courses and essential skills training.
Local Assembly Member David McClarty, and Chairman of West Bann Development Ltd, said he was delighted to be able to show Ms Ritchie at first hand some of the excellent courses and activities delivered in the centre, for the benefit of the local community.
Mr McClarty also thanked the Minister for the support West Bann had received from her department and welcomed her continued support to the local community.
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