Killyleagh community group is doing blooming good work

Killyleagh community group is doing blooming good work

16 August 2017

THE new Killyleagh Community Association has been finding its feet since launching earlier in the year. 

The group aims to promote good relations with residents located in the greater Killyleagh area through a series of events involving all members of the community.

The community group is also doing its best to help add a touch of colour to the town by distributing 36 window boxes and baskets to residents free of charge, as long as the flowers and plants are looked after. This public display aims to signify growing relations in the community as well as improving the aesthetics of the area.

The Community Association is being led by local man Raymond Love, who lives in the Anchorage area of the 

town and has lived in Killyleagh for his entire life. 

Mr Love said the group believes that following the completion of a successful programme of promoting good relations and community cohesion, this will not only encourage more volunteers to come forward, but also indirectly tackle issues of anti-social behaviour and social isolation.

“We are delighted to have received support from the Housing Executive through its advice and guidance made available to our volunteers,” he said.

“We have devised a six month programme of activity aimed at empowering the local community, resulting in a positive outcome for the greater Killyleagh area. We have cross community summer fun days and Halloween and Christmas parties planned which are open to everyone. The first major event takes place this Saturday in the Garden Field at the town’s castle.”

Mr Love added: “The success of the Killyleagh Community Association depends on the time, effort and dedication of our volunteers. As we become embedded into the community, we hope that more volunteers will be encouraged to join and receive the gifts of friendship and belonging. We know that a strong and thriving community association reflects a strong and thriving Killyleagh.

The Housing Executive’s Bronagh Magorrian said it is “extremely encouraging” to now have a community group serving Killyleagh. 

She continued: “It is also important that stakeholder engagement can occur with partner agencies to deal with issues affecting the local area through representatives from the community organisation.

“By forming the Killyleagh Community Association, issues such as anti-social behaviour and social isolation can be identified and addressed. The local community have a focal point in which to belong, which can break down any barriers between young people and elderly members of the community.”

Bronagh added: “The Housing Executive continues to work closely with key agencies, but the formation of the Killyleagh Community Association is a welcome development in helping foster a vibrant community for all.”

More information about the Killyleagh group and details about how to get involved are available at the organisation’s Facebook Page www.facebook.com/killyleaghcommunityassociation.