Two new Multi Use Games areas have been officially opened in Ardowen and Parkmore in Brownlow.

NI Communities Minister Margaret Ritchie launched the schemes, together with a similar facility provided in Kilwilkie, Lurgan, which were funded by the Department for Social Development through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund at a capital cost of £385,580 - together with donations of land by Craigavon Borough Council and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Speaking at the opening of the new facilities, the Minister said: "This is a great boost for young people in the Brownlow and Lurgan areas and will provide much needed recreational facilities for children and community groups in these areas."

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Minister Ritchie stressed the importance of addressing the needs of the community, providing local facilities for the participation and development of sport and physical and social activities.

Ms Ritchie said: "These projects will contribute greatly to the regeneration of these areas by encouraging involvement in sport, improving quality of life, improving health, addressing social exclusion and reducing crime levels."

The Minister praised the major contributions of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Craigavon Borough Council to the projects in providing the land and welcomed the support of the Council in managing the overall construction of all three games areas and agreeing to take responsibility for their future maintenance.

In the current financial year funding of over £1.3million has been approved for projects recommended by the Brownlow and Lurgan Neighbourhood Renewal Partnerships.

These include the provision of community bases, sports development, educational and economic regeneration programmes as well as major capital build projects in both areas.

(PR)