Working to make a brighter future together in Foreglen

26 Jun 2019

Some of the Foreglen residents with JP Mc Closkey Chairperson of Foregen Residents Group, Marion Friel Chairperson of Foreglen Community Association, Martina Forrest, Housing Executive Patch Manager, as well as Paul Herron, Mark Hunter and Andrew Thompson, Housing Executive Grounds Maintenance team.

Following the completion of an external maintenance scheme and kitchen replacement scheme, which saw the Housing Executive invest over £750,000 for its tenants in the rural area of Foreglen, local residents proposed the idea of a planting project to complement the improved appearance of the village.

This proposal ‘grew’ into a joint project which was ‘cultivated’ and developed by Martina Forrest and Paul Herron Housing Executive, Stephen Proctor Causeway Coast and Glens Council, Foreglen Community Group and Foreglen Residents Association.

The planters in Columbia Park are a bright addition to Foreglen, which has ‘germinated’ new ideas for a community garden in the area.

JP McCloskey, Chairperson of Foreglen Residents Association, said:

“The local residents are delighted with this project, the flowers are lovely to look at and brighten up the area. We are looking forward to the development of the new community garden.”

The community garden has been designed and agreed, with plans to begin work in Columbia Park in September.

Local Housing Executive staff would like to encourage young people and residents in the community to establish the garden by assisting with the planting of the shrubs and bulbs. Patch Manager Martina Forrest said:

“We want to create a strong sense of community and include all residents in creating the community garden. That way everyone can take pride in the area they live.”

Planting in the community garden will involve the local schools, youth groups and the wider community.