Bridge Partnership leaves a legacy

PAST Chairs and Vice-Chairs of The Bridge Partnership (Banbridge District Local Strategy Partnership) gathered at Council offices recently to attend the Partnership's final meeting and take a look at the legacy it has left for local people.

Last serving as Chairman of The Bridge Partnership, Councillor John Hanna, spoke proudly at the meeting about what had been achieved by the limited company since it was established in 2002.

He also paid tribute to both directors and representatives from a wide range of statutory bodies who worked jointly on developing an integrated local strategy for the district’s long-term future and administering 1.5m in funding awarded to the area under Measures 3.1 and 3.2 of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE II).

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He said: “Over 2,500 people in the Banbridge District have benefited enormously from the work undertaken by The Bridge Partnership. The Partnership financed a total of 13 unique projects, supporting disadvantaged groups and tackling issues affecting sectors and areas in need of improvement across the district.

"These projects have yielded enormous results that will improve the quality of life for local people for many years to come.

"Although The Bridge Partnership will cease to exist, I am delighted to say that this is not the end of a journey but rather the beginning of a new one. The Bridge Partnership was in many respects a model of best practice for multi-agency working. We will continue to work with our partners and find new and innovative ways of providing the people of the Banbridge District with the best possible services. We want the legacy left by The Bridge Partnership to live on.”

The projects supported by The Bridge Partnership have helped build the capacity of community and voluntary groups, provide improved childcare facilities and offer better support services for young people and victims groups.

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Several housing estates in Rathfriland and Banbridge have new children’s play parks, Banbridge Enterprise Centre has an ICT suite that is helping support organisations with a socio-economic focus and a derelict building in Rathfriland has been regenerated for business use.

The Bridge Partnership was also involved in the strategic management of the local Community Safety Partnership - supporting the work it does to help make the district a safer place for locals and visitors alike.

Councillor Hanna also expressed his thanks to the project promoters who were responsible for successfully delivering the Peace II programmes. Their dedication and professionalism helped ensure that these programmes made a real difference to individuals and groups on the ground.

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