Groups to join forces to aid redevelopment of Ardglass

Groups to join forces to aid redevelopment of Ardglass

8 June 2016

PEOPLE in Ardglass are to join forces to help spearhead the social and economic regeneration of the village.

The decision was taken at a public meeting on Monday night attended by around 50 people which included representatives from 17 sports and community organisations and residents.

Organised by the Ardglass Development Association, there was overwhelming support for all groups to move forward in a spirit of unity and co-operation to make the village an even better to live, work and visit.

Next week, the development association will appoint a new committee at its annual meeting and wants a representative from all groups in the village to become a member so there is transparency and everyone is aware of what is happening.

On Monday night, concern was expressed about recent negative publicity surrounding the village on social media but there was agreement to move forward and look to secure investment for new initiatives and help already established community groups and organisations.

Development Association chairwoman, Margaret Smyth, said she has no doubt all the groups in the village share the same goal of making Ardglass an even better place. She said their united power, working together for the benefit of Ardglass, can produce positive results.

“I want to see our community united and believe there is much we can achieve. During my time as chairwoman I have always tried to do what is best for the village and that hasn’t changed. We need to come together for the good of Ardglass,” declared Mrs Smyth.

“I took on the role to make a difference, not to be criticised by others on social media. We now need to move forward together, let’s start applying for funding and let’s all make a difference.”

Glyn Patterson, of the Ardglass Boat Builders’ Association, said the village has not secured the funding it needed in the past, but is confident that will change with everyone working together.

“Individual groups can secure piecemeal funding, but if all the bodies in Ardglass are working together we can access so much more funding. I believe we have a fantastic future to enjoy if we all sing from the same hymn sheet,” he said.

“The Ardglass Development Association is going to change. It will have a more youthful face and there will be utter transparency and monthly meetings which I would implore people to attend. If we stick together, we can make things happen.”

Mr Patterson said he believes there will be “nothing but good for Ardglass” if people work together, pointing to the success of the regeneration of Portaferry through securing grant aid to redevelop old buildings to lease out to produce an income stream.

He added: “Tonight is about moving forward. Members will be appointed to the development association at next week’s annual meeting fairly and equitably. There is a clean broom of positive thinking people who are passionate about the environment they live in. I have no doubt progress has already been made and we can do more.

“By working together we can secure funding to distribute among all the groups, funding at a level we have never seen before. I believe there is an appetite among funders to put us where villages like Portaferry and Kilkeel already are.”

Next Monday night’s annual meeting will be held at the Tourism and Heritage Centre in Bath Street, starting at 7pm.