Village will provide state of the art service for area

Speaking following the Minister’s announcement, Ulster Unionist Group Leader Councillor John Hanna said: “A lot of councillors from all parties on Banbridge District Council, together with our officers have, for more than 10 years fought hard to achieve this, and we all look forward to working closely with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to achieve a state of the art facility for our citizens.”

Almost £17m was earmarked as high priority for the Health Village by former Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey in his March 2011 announcement.

Councillor Hanna said, “The Ulster Unionist Party is absolutely delighted on hearing that this, the last part of the Community Health Village development has finally got the funding to go ahead. It has been unfortunate that due to the change of minister it has taken so long for approval to start this main contract but we now hope that this announcement gives the green light to the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to begin the building work after the enabling works have been completed.