Storey hands over keys to shore homes

The Bayview Park scheme in Derrymore, was given support of £300,000 from the Department for Social Development, and has been developed by Clanmil Housing Association, with additional funding of £300,000. The new scheme provides six new semi-detached family homes.

At the official opening, Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey handed over keys to new resident, Stephen McGarrell, and said: “These new homes are a fine example of the high standard of social homes being built in Northern Ireland and I am pleased that my Department was able to contribute towards the scheme.

“Six families will now benefit from comfortable dwellings which are close to a local primary school and many other community amenities, with the additional bonus of providing fantastic views over Lough Neagh. I wish all the new tenants of Bayview Park all the best in their new homes.”

Elizabeth Martin, Housing Manager at Clanmil Housing, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new tenants to Bayview Park, and it is lovely to have the Minister visit to wish them well as they settle into their new homes and new community here on the shores of Lough Neagh.

“We are very grateful to neighbouring residents and local political representatives for their support in delivering this scheme.”

Minister Storey travelled to Brownlow where he met with staff and service users at the Chrysalis Women’s Centre. The centre provides a broad range of programmes, including courses working with school age mothers, and the provision of good quality childcare and after schools programmes.

Minister Storey said: “The Chrysalis Women’s Centre provides an invaluable service for the women in the Brownlow area. In addition to providing education and training, which in some cases has led to further and higher education, it also improves the confidence and self esteem of the women attending the Centre.”

He also visited the Moyraverty Centre where he spoke to Co-ordinator of the Drumgor Detached Youth Programme, Louise Haughian. The Drumgor Detached Youth Programme targets young people who are marginalised or deemed to be at risk, and undertakes street based detached work, diversionary activities and one to one support to help young people in the area.