Locality forums to meet

DERELICT buildings, anti-social behaviour and problem roads are just some of the issues raised at the most recent meetings of the four local community forums throughout the district.

Members of Banbridge Locality Forum, Dromore and District Rural Locality Forum, Gilford and District Locality Forum and Rathfriland and District Community Forum will meet again in the first two weeks of October.

Community groups were invited to nominate representatives to sit on their locality forum towards the end of last year. The groups aim to allow for networking opportunities, information sharing and raising issues of concern.

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Each locality forum has met at least twice since their formation last winter and has proved to be a valuable support to the community sector in the district.

Banbridge District Council’s Community Development Officer, Robert Stockley, underlined the progress achieved so fa.

“It has been very encouraging how many groups have become involved with their locality forum,” he said. “This has allowed groups to share with others what activities they are involved in and about upcoming events.

“There has also been a series of speakers promoting the services they offer to communities and community groups such as the DART Partnership, Addiction NI’s Older People’s Focus service, the Patient and Client Council, REACT Ltd and TADA Rural Support Network. Groups have also been able to find out about sources of support including funding and training.”

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Representatives of the locality forums can raise issues with statutory agencies at the next meeting of Banbridge District Interagency Community Forum.

Any community group in the district who would like to find out more information or about how they can get involved should contact the Council’s Community Development Officer on 4066 0643.