Plan tackles community relations

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7569351.stm

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A scheme to promote better community relations in 30 mixed neighbourhoods in Northern Ireland is be launched this morning.

£1m will be used to provide grants to community organisations and support will be provided by a special team from the Housing Executive.

Five communities in counties Antrim, Down and Tyrone have already committed to participating in the programme.

Housing minister Margaret Ritchie has urged other areas to take part.

"The time is right for this. The people of Northern Ireland want it. Eight out of 10 people in the recent Life and Times survey highlighted that they would like to live in mixed areas," she said.

The 'Shared Neighbourhood Programme' will be managed by the Housing Executive and will work with existing communities.

The International Fund for Ireland supplied £698,000 of the £1m budget.

The five areas already participating are Springfarm in Antrim, Lissize in Rathfriland, Knockmore/Tonagh in Lisburn, Gortview/Killybrack Close in Omagh and Ballynafeigh in Belfast.

It is anticipated that a further 25 areas will become involved in the next two years.