Housing tenants in visit to theme park

Housing tenants in visit to theme park

9 August 2023

A THRILL-SEEKING trip to a theme park in Co Meath brought together almost 100 local people from across the community.

Tenants from Clanmil housing developments in Ballynahinch, Crossgar, Dundrum and Newcastle travelled down to Emerald Park, which was formerly known as Tayto Park.

The opportunity was part of a Good Relations Programme, which was funded by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Housing For All initiative.

The programme aims to encourage cross-community engagement in the areas around Clanmil’s shared housing schemes at Everogue Lane in Crossgar, Burren Close in Newcastle,and Brunel’s View in Dundrum.

Families from Clanmil’s Ballyriver Walk development in Ballynahinch took part with support from Clanmil’s Neighbourhood Fund.

Organiser Linzi Webb, from Clanmil’s local housing office, said some of her tenants were already saving up for a family day out to the theme park.

She remarked: “We were delighted to be able to support the trip as part of our commitment to creating safe and vibrant communities where people from different backgrounds can live happily together.

“It was a fantastic day, enjoyed by everyone, and it’s great to see the group already planning more events and activities together.”

Terry Laffin, whose family went on the trip, said: “We had a fantastic day out with our neighbours and people from other Clanmil schemes.

“It was great to get away and spend a bit of time really getting to know the other people who live here and to meet some new people too. 

He added: It’s important that everyone gets on and respects each other and if you know your neighbours better, any issues can be sorted out without a fuss before they get out of hand.

“We’re really looking forward to doing more things as a community and we’re already thinking about a possible Christmas event.”