Community to take action in Seymour Hill

The Seymour Hill & Conway Estates Steering Group pictured at Lagan Valley Island at the start its Action Planning Day.

During the meeting representatives of the local community, public bodies, statutory agencies, elected representatives and council officers designed an Action Plan to address two key themes included in the Seymour Hill & Conway Estates Community Audit & Development Strategy: Health & Wellbeing and Education & Employment.

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, speaking about the event, said: “Over the past six months there has been significant engagement within the community and this event offered the opportunity for all relevant parties to be involved in developing action plans for these two very important issues.

“These two strategic themes are important in our growing community and it was identified that there is a need to conduct audits to determine the facilities and services currently available to the residents in the area.

“The Steering Group also agreed to visit other communities within the Council area to identify good practice programmes and how these could be implemented within Seymour Hill and Conway Estates.

“I was very pleased to hear of the Group’s commitment to joined up working with key organisations and groups such as churches and schools, across the area.

“As new social housing becomes available there will be an increase in the number of young families in the area; and this may create a requirement for a new school to enable there to be sufficient nursery & primary school places.

“A good education is important to ensure employability and it provides an environment in which young people learn discipline and networking skills.

“I look forward to hearing the outcomes of the audits and the implementation of subsequent action plans to put the Strategy into place.

“All parties appreciate it will take time and the Strategy is ongoing and will evolve over time.”

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has identified £500,000 capital investment to create a play area and Multi-use Games Area in the new housing development, which will play a part in addressing health and wellbeing of the local community.