Work to make disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland more attractive to live, work and invest within is set to accelerate.

NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has reaffirmed her pledge to regenerate areas of the greatest need.

The Minister commented as she welcomed the completion of works to redevelop the Greater Shankill and Crumlin 
Neighbourhood Renewal Areas.

The £200,000 environmental improvement scheme included the planting of nearly 100 trees along the frontages of the Shankill and Woodvale Roads and over 75 trees on the Crumlin Road, all with ornamental tree guards.

Belfast Regeneration Office completed the scheme in partnership with Belfast City Council, and with support from Roads Service.

After planting the final tree, to mark the scheme’s completion, Minister Ritchie said: "Regeneration is of crucial importance in these areas of Belfast. This project will create a more attractive environment for local residents and businesses and will make a significant visual improvement to both of these main arterial routes.

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"By funding environmental improvement schemes my Department is demonstrating its commitment to improving the environment and image of our most deprived neighbourhoods. 



"I am determined to successfully regenerate these disadvantaged areas in our communities so that they become more attractive places in which to live, work and invest."



The Minister continued: "These improvements to the Shankill and Crumlin Roads will complement other physical regeneration projects that have been completed or are planned in these areas.

"I have also commissioned the development of Physical Regeneration Masterplans for the Lower Shankill and Lower Crumlin areas and work on these is currently well underway.

"When completed, the Masterplans will hopefully provide the context for further more strategic physical improvements to these areas."

Belfast Lord Mayor, Tom Hartley, said: "I would like to congratulate those involved in this environmental improvement scheme. The council, through working in partnership with Belfast Regeneration Office, has ensured that the regeneration of these areas continues to represent one of our key priorities."

Chair of the Greater Shankill Partnership, Tom Scott, said: "Neighbourhood Renewal is about improving the lives of people who live in areas like the Greater Shankill.

"Together with other environmental improvements delivered by DSD and the City Council, these trees help to make the Shankill and Woodvale Roads more attractive places to live, work and visit," he added.

(PR)