25/01/2005

Report points to better future for Sandy Row

A report on how public services to the Sandy Row community in Belfast can be improved was unveiled today by Minister for Social Development John Spellar.

Speaking at the Sandy Row community centre on Tuesday, the Minister admitted that government policies and services for people living in deprived Protestant working class areas such as Sandy Row were not as effective as they should be.

“To look into why this is, I set up a task force of decision makers from across Government departments in April 2004,” Mr Spellar said. “They have been working closely with the local community and their report is a valuable start on the road to making things better.

“It is absolutely essential that local communities and their representatives have their voices heard and that they actively engage with those providing services to make sure that these meet their needs effectively and efficiently.”

The Sandy Row report follows research by a small team of civil servants, based in the area, who looked in detail at the delivery and effectiveness of public services.

“This report is especially valuable as it is based on detailed work with the local community to identify the barriers and issues they see as creating greatest difficulty for them,” the Minister said.

“It will provide the basis for engagement with both the local community and statutory providers to bring about the required improvements.”

(MB/SP)

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