Northern Ireland Communities Minister Margaret Ritchie has officially opened a new covered play area during a visit to Mount Zion House, Lurgan.

Funding of £44,000 was provided through the Department of Social Development for the construction of the play area, known as 'Zion's Den', as part of the existing childcare facility at the complex.

Ms Ritchie spoke of the valuable contribution Mount Zion House is making to community life in the local area.

She said: "This is an excellent example of a community-led project providing much needed services and facilities for the area which it serves and shows what can be achieved through partnership.

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"It is a pleasure also that in a divided town such as Lurgan, local people have worked hard to maintain the cross-community aspect of the Zion’s Den facility. I have put 'Shared Future' at the heart of my Department's work, and this is where we start - children playing in a cross-community environment."

Following a tour of the complex, the Minister also visited the Albert Street and Lough Road Residents' Association community office.

Commenting on the work of the group she said: "I recognise the important role which the voluntary sector has to play as an equal partner in helping to tackle deprivation in the North and I am committed to ensuring that local people in Lurgan are able to contribute to the decision making process."

(PR/JM)