Housing Executive representatives worked with the Model Farm Community Association and a range of stakeholders and elected representatives to address local community concerns.
County Down Rural Community Network staff and Model Farm Patch Manager, Ashley Baxter, conducted door-to-door surveys to test resident’s attitudes to alley gates.
An overwhelming majority of residents said that they would welcome this measure to tackle anti-social behaviour and all gates are now in place.
Kyla Hannaway, chairperson of Model Farm Community Association said; “We are very pleased with the gates and they definitely make the pensioners in the area feel more safe and secure, especially at night time.
“They are certainly a welcome addition to the area and we would like to thank the Housing Executive for providing these
“By way of acknowledging the success of this project, we then decided to celebrate with the elderly residents by offering them afternoon tea party boxes.
“These boxes were then delivered to every bungalow in Ballymote Park and Islandbane Walk.
“Through the community group we try and do different things for the local residents in the area, especially for our elderly neighbours and friends, and we will continue to offer them continued support especially during the remainder of lockdown.
Liam Gunn, South Down Area Manager for the Housing Executive said; “We took the lead in organizing alley gates following some prolonged issues with anti-social behaviour in this area.
“With the eight gates now in place, we hope residents will feel safer in their homes and anti-social behaviour issues and concerns will be eased.
“Early feedback is that residents are delighted with the success of the scheme.
“Our Downpatrick Office Team Leader, Bronagh Magorrian, worked very hard to get the gates in place, as did Patch Manager, Ashley Baxter, working closely with the Model Farm Community Association and with County Down Rural Community Network.”
