A range of local representatives including residents, community groups, agencies and Newtownabbey Borough Council recently attended an information session in Glengormley Pavilion.  The event was hosted by Newtownabbey Council and the CAN PEACE III Partnership to launch the Mapping Meaningful Solutions (MMS) Programme in Glengormley Pavilion.

The MMS Programme is a new programme funded by the CAN PEACE III Partnership through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.  The programme aims to explore and develop cohesion and shared space within the Carrickfergus, Antrim and Newtownabbey (CAN) area by working in up to 24 different areas. 

 As the first phase of the programme, Groundwork NI has been appointed to carry out a comprehensive mapping and consultation exercise in a number of areas, the first of which is Glengormley town Centre and Lilian Bland Park.  The mapping exercise will identify community issues and community spaces. Subsequently, the programme will actively support communities in the target areas affected to develop and participate in appropriate peace building activities.

 Do you  live in Glengormley?  If you do, Newtownabbey Borough Council encourages you to engage in this consultation aspect of the MMS Programme. 

 Describing the programme as focusing on local solutions to local issues, Beverley Todd, MMS Project Officer commented, 

“We would call on any individuals, groups and agencies from the Glengormley area to engage with Groundwork NI throughout the mapping process.  We believe that the greater the engagement in the mapping process the more opportunity there is to ensure comprehensive results.”

 Beverley added,

“I also want to emphasise that no input is irrelevant and we would welcome people from all sectors and locations in the community getting involved in the process and having their say.  I believe that this is the people of Glengormley’s opportunity to have their voice heard and to have their issues, queries and concerns recognised”.

For more information on the MMS Programme please contact:  Beverley Todd,Mapping Meaningful Solutions Officer, Newtownabbey Borough Council Tel: 028 90 340009,  Mob: 07775 915961,   Email: btodd@newtownabbey.gov.uk