Pupils are first to have say on the future of Ballykinlar

Pupils are first to have say on the future of Ballykinlar

30 January 2013 - by BY DAVID TELFORD

BALLYKINLAR residents are being urged to attend a special event early next month to help shape the village’s future.

Villagers, and those who live in nearby Tyrella, are being asked for their views on how the area should be developed, with particular emphasis on the facilities they would like provided.

St. Joseph’s Primary School will be open to local people from 2-9pm on February 7 so they can discuss their ideas with consultants who have appointed to draw up a village plan.

A three dimensional model of the area has been produced by schoolchildren to help people pinpoint the areas they want to see developed.

The community group has been working with the Down Rural Area Partnership to secure funding to employ a consultancy firm to assist with the compilation of a development plan. Mentor Economic Developments has been appointed and its representatives will be at St. Joseph’s Primary School next month.

The community association has also been working on a household survey which asks people to set out their vision for the future of the Ballykinlar area.

Association chairman, David Corbett, said over recent weeks consultants have been working with local primary school children to build the three dimensional model of the village.

“People are being asked to come along on February 7 to view the model and browse through some 400 different idea cards covering everything from education to traffic, health to crime and safety and from the environment to community facilities. Once they have selected their cards they place them on the model,” he explained.

“The great thing is that no-one has to stand up and speak so it is very easy to make a contribution. Our association is delighted to have this opportunity because we need a plan to help us look for funding to develop our area.”

Mr. Corbett said the chances of securing funding are greater if the community group can demonstrate it has the support of local people.

He added: “We certainly hope as many people as possible of all ages will come along to see the children’s work and take the opportunity to put forward their views and opinions. It only takes a few minutes to attend, but it could have a long term effect on our village.”

His comments have been echoed by community official Wilma Reynolds who encouraged local people to play a role in helping formulate the village plan. She said next month’s meeting provides an important opportunity for locals to have their say on the future development of the area.

“The information generated via the household survey is currently being collated and we have been encouraged by the response,” Wilma explained.

“People have their own views on what they would like to see provided and it’s important we get a full flavour of what people want so this can be included in the final plan.”

Wilma explained that once consultants have completed work on the village plan, the next step is identifying what potential funding is available to help deliver what people want to see provided.

She added: “The community association is encouraging everyone to have a say in the future development of the area. Moving forward, community support for the regeneration and revitalisation of the area is essential if we hope to deliver.”