Background ::
Formally established in November 2001 The Bridge Partnership is responsible for administering £1.2m awarded to the area under Measure 3.1 and Measure 3.2 of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II) until 2006 and more importantly developing and implementing an Integrated Local Strategy for the long-term future of the Banbridge District.

Mission ::
Promote and enable, through partnership working and integrated service delivery, sustainable social, economic and environmental development of Banbridge District in order to improve the quality of life for all its residents and enhance civic pride.

Vision ::
The Bridge Partnership has created a vision for the Banbridge District, which presents a picture of what it wants to achieve as a result of its work over the next few years. It wants its Integrated Local Strategy to assist the Banbridge District become an area:-

• that capitalises on its strategic location along the Eastern Sea Board Route in terms of industrial and economic development.
• that is renowned for its clean, green environment and sustainable tourism.
• that nurtures the development of young entrepreneurs in key sectors and has seen an increase in business starts and VAT registered businesses.
• that has improved links between the business and education sectors working in collaboration across new and developing sectors.
• that takes advantage of its cross border locations and sees its future in linkages beyond its own boundaries, through inter-regional cooperation, strategic partnerships and alliances with neighbouring Councils, expanding businesses and community networks.
• that promotes inclusion and specifically addresses the needs within its most disadvantaged sectors, areas and target groups.
• that has assisted its agricultural sector to adjust to CAP reforms and diversify into new product areas.
• where culture, arts and leisure are accessible to all and are seen as a normal part of our social life.
• that celebrates its diverse culture and diversity.
• that encourages the growth of a vibrant and diverse community sector supported by community networks.
• where average weekly earnings are at least the level of the Northern Ireland average and where unemployment is below average.
• where crime and fear of crime are reducing and below average.
• where citizens express satisfaction with service provision and the level of support they receive from the public and community sector.

Aims ::
The Bridge Partnership has identified two strategic aims that it believes encompass what it is trying to achieve through this new way of working:-

• Promote the efficient, effective and equitable delivery of public services in the District by encouraging partnership working across a range of organisations with responsibility for policy planning and service delivery in the Banbridge District.
• Identify and tackle disadvantage and social exclusion in the District to help citizens reach their full potential and enjoy a standard of living and quality of life that meets their expectations.