Riverside gets revitalised
Thursday, 28 August 2008
RECENTLY named as one of the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland, the Riverside estate in Castledawson village has, without a doubt, received its fair share of bad press over the last ten years.
But thanks to a small group of dedicated community workers, the area is undergoing a revitalising face lift, aiming to dramatically improve life for children, families and senior citizens living in the area. The Lower Castledawson Community Association (LCCA) will officially open the village's first 'Community House' at the end of the month, providing a new central hub to the development. Neutrally named Riverpark House, the LCCA say they are aiming high to equip their neighbourhood with the skills, experience and sense of community spirit that has been missing all these years.
Originally a block of derelict flats, LCCA Chairperson Terry West took the Riverpark House project under his wing, drawing up the plans, lobbying to the Housing Executive and gaining the support of local residents to push for grants and sponsors to make the much needed community core a reality.
“The aim of Riverpark House is to create a focal point for the community. A place where families, children, teenagers and senior citizens can meet, get support or advice. When I say Riverside had nothing here before, I mean absolutely nothing. There was graffiti everywhere, kids on the streets and it had its fair share of trouble. But since the LCCA formed almost eight years ago, we have seen the neighbour hood change dramatically." The committee first formed in 2000 and since then have lobbied their way to gaining a focal house for the area to fall back on. Chairperson Terry along with fellow committee member Gerry Ewing, approached the Housing Executive's Michael Dallat in 2006, armed with plans and a treasure chest of ideas and ambitions for a potential drop in centre. Since then the Housing Executive's help to the group has surpassed all expectations with the grand opening of the newly converted house expected this Saturday (August 30).
Terry said: "The Housing Executive have been more than brilliant and have converted the house to our own spec, with no changes. We couldn't be thankful enough.
“We are relying pretty much on donations at the minute to complete the house. We have already received two grants from Lloyds TSB and the John Moors Foundation which have helped install the kitchen and CCTV system but that's all we have. " says LCCA Committee member Andrew Glendinning, "We need so much more to use the house to its full potential."
The group currently have their office computer on loan from Magherafelt based computer company Hi-Tech Solutions, but are in desperate need for computers to provide educational course to both the young and older members of the community. A donation of £1,000 from Moyola and Toome Credit Union has already went towards the running costs of the house, with other sponsorship from Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action Zone and the PSNI.
And with a disabled lift costing in the region of £12,000 up to £15,000, the LCCA need all the financial help they can get, but as Parent and Toddler group member Petra Glendinning says, the house will be well worth the expenditure.
“Riverpark house will be a facility for everyone in the community and throughout Castledawson, there will be no boundary." says Petra, "All the people of Castledawson need a hub and the community house will provide that."
The grand opening of LCCA's Riverpark House will take place this Saturday (30th) from 10 am until 4.00pm. Everyone is welcome and there will be fun for all the family including Bouncy Castles, face painting and refreshments. The house will officially be opened by Housing Executive District Manager Michael Dallat. For more information or to donate contact a member of LCCA committee on (028) 7946 8096.
