Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has today announced that work is about to start on the major refurbishment of St Peter's Immaculata Youth Centre in the Divis Area of west Belfast.

The £400,000 project will help deliver youth services within the Greater Falls Neighbourhood Renewal area.

Speaking about the commencement of works the Minister said: "I am pleased to announce the start of work to this invaluable project for the local people in the Greater Falls area.

"This area has been the focus of news lately for very tragic reasons and anti social behaviour caused by a minority group of people," she said.

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However, the refurbishment of St Peter's Youth Centre will form a focal point for the community and rebuild a sense of pride and continuity for the local youth and residents of the area.

St Peter's Youth Centre will provide a range of positive and constructive activities for young people in Divis.

It will encourage them to seek recreational and educational activities through the various programmes and facilities this club will offer and I am very pleased that my department, as the major project funder, is able to make this happen.

The total project cost for the refurbishment is about £403,000 with £262,000 grant aided by the Department for Social Development, £101,000 by the Department of Education and £40,000 by the Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor. On completion, the ongoing costs of the centre will be met by Belfast Education & Library Board.

(BMcC)