Government Minister tours Seymour Hill estate

Local MLA, Jonathan Craig, explained: “Several months ago I organised a meeting with Community Leaders, Statuary Agencies and Elected Representatives. 

“At that first meeting, it was agreed to set up a Steering Group to look at local issues and needs that affect the community of Seymour Hill. Following the first meeting of the Steering Group last month, the visit by Mr Penning MP this week was a great opportunity for the community to engage directly with the Government Minister and outline the issues and needs of the Seymour Hill area.”

Mr Craig added: “The meeting this week with Mr Penning is just one of many such meetings that the Steering Group will be arranging. There is a great commitment and drive by the local community, working with politicians to deliver a community plan, which will see much needed investment by Government Departments directed to the Seymour Hill area.”

Lisburn Deputy Mayor Councillor Margaret Tolerton said everyone was making a concerted effort to focus everyone’s minds on the needs of Seymour Hill.

“The Steering Group is made up from elected representatives, as well as the Public Health Agency, SEELB, the Housing Executive, PSNI and local Ministers,” she said. “There’s a collective effort to focus people’s minds on Seymour Hill and what is needed in the area.”

Mark Black, Seymour Hill Community Worker said, “There is a new level of optimism in the community with the establishment of the Steering Group that at its core is committed to driving forward an agenda for change that will address the social issues and community infrastructure need that exists in the wider Seymour hill area. I would like to thank Mr Penning MP for spending so much time with the local community of Seymour Hill and for the very positive contribution that he made to the discussions and look forward to further engagement with him and his Department.”