The Housing Executive

The partnership also included Craigavon Borough Council, the Department for Social Development and Community Associations from the Brownlow area.

The community renewal initiative included three individual and innovative projects aimed at delivering environmental improvement, and a series of targeted Community Safety Initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life experienced by residents.

The aim of the projects were to establish community control and ownership of vacant spaces; instill a renewed sense of civic pride; and tackle the fear of crime experienced at both an individual and community level.

Projects such as the “Where is your child tonight?” campaign, the “Dash to Splash” fun day at Craigavon lakes as well as a study trip to Fatima Mansions and Ballymun Redevelopment areas in Dublin were developed by the Housing Executive working closely with local residents and their representatives.

Commenting on the success of the programme, Senior Project Administrator John McCartan said “This project has proved a great example of just what can be achieved when communities and statutory agencies work together.

"It is essential to get the community involved if a project is to be successful. I know that with the community’s involvement and total commitment the improvements achieved through the CRIB Programme will be sustained.

"I would like to thank our statutory partners for their support in delivering these projects and to wish the local residents and community associations continued success in their work to improve and sustain their neighbourhoods.”

Pete Toland Community Representative from Meadowbrook and a member of CRIB spoke of his support for the Initiative and said “The CRIB Initiative has proved very successful for the people of Brownlow. It involved all the communities working together to help improve the quality of life for young and old. The residents really felt they had their part to play in the delivery of all aspects of the Initiative and I wish to thank everyone involved for the overall success of the Project.”