Council agree at Active and Healthy Communities to set up a sustainable development fund following proposal from Cllr Alan Lewis.
Slieve Croob Councillor Alan Lewis has welcomed backing from fellow councillors to approve his motion to create a sustainable development fund which will give local communities the opportunity to create community gardens writes Laura Barr.
The UUP representative submitted the motion to Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee last Monday evening where it was discussed and approved.
Cllr Lewis said: “Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, local communities have risen to the challenge, delivering food packs and considering how they could perhaps be self-sufficient leading to widespread talk of community gardens.
“I hope this initiative enables communities to partake in sustainable development and that it will be something for everyone to enjoy with the opportunity to educate our youth.
“With cooperation between young and old they will literally be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour through this project.”
Cllr Lewis added: “Newry Mourne and Down District Council aims to embed the ethos of sustainability throughout its operations.
“Sustainable development is about meeting the needs of people today and providing them with a good quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations.
“I am delighted that members on the Active Healthy Committee have agreed to my proposal to create a sustainable development fund which can be utilised by community groups for the benefit of creating community gardens, encouraging the planting of fruit bearing trees along with other edible fruit and vegetable plants.
“It is my hope that communities can make use of vacant lands which are within council ownership and I would also encourage other agencies such as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to work alongside this fund by facilitating community access to lands in their ownership thus ensuring a truly community centred approach to any future project which may be formed.”
