Regeneration for Doury Road

At Last Thursday night’s meeting of the Spatial Planning Committee it was confirmed to members that this Wednesday the DSD Minister Nelson McCausland is to launch his Housing Regeneration Strategy, and announce that the Doury Road has been selected as one of the areas to benefit.

‘The Facing the Future - Housing Strategy for Northern Ireland’ contains a proposal to pilot in four areas a housing led approach to the regeneration of communities experiencing blight, dereliction and decline.

The official launch will take place this Wednesday and it was agreed that Alderman Maurice Mills and Alderman Sam Hannah will represent the council.

Last year the Times reported that the Minister was ‘appalled’ at the state of the area after he made a visit with his team to see for themselves the extent of investment that is needed.

After his visit, McCausland wrote to MP Ian Paisley giving him his assurances that the problem will be dealt with and that the “do nothing option” is no longer acceptable.

Local MLA Paul Frew , said: “When Mr McCausland came his officials were embarrassed to the areas of dereliction on the Doury Road.

“The Doury Road is Ballymena’s best kept secret. The community groups in the area do a fantastic job, it is a close community that contains Protestants, Catholics and Travellers all working together. The council should get behind the Doury Road estate.”

Councillor Jane Dunlop said: “There are people who have their own houses who are a bit concerned about what the future holds,

“ I hope this answers a few questions and I am delighted to see this.”

There was also warm welcome for the news from Alderman PJ McAvoy who heaped praise on the community groups who are involved in the area, highlighting how they have made the decision to have a beacon instead of a bonfire on the 11th night .

Councillor James McClean also expressed his support for the project,

“At long last there is a ray of sunshine coming into this estate.” he added.