Bridge Partnership Reports Positive Progress ::

Today The Bridge Partnership (Banbridge District Local Strategy Partnership Limited) held its first Annual General Meeting at Banbridge Enterprise Centre. In his report, outgoing Chairman, Nigel Smith reflected on the positive contribution the Partnership has made in its relatively short existence to the people living within the Banbridge District.

The Bridge Partnership’s Programme Manager, Elaine Gillespie and Secretary, Liam Hannaway, congratulate the Partnership’s new Chair, Councillor Catherine McDermott, and Vice-Chairs, Anne Cromie and Dan McCool.

The Bridge Partnership was formally established in November 2001 to administer approximately £1.2m under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II) and also develop and implement its Integrated Local Strategy. Since then, the Partnership has been working successfully with many partner organisations and local groups in allocating funding towards the management and delivery of nine Programmes, which will tackle many areas of disadvantage such as unemployment, childcare, training, environment, information technology and education.

Concluding his report, Nigel Smith commented, “I feel The Bridge Partnership’s members should be proud of their achievements to date and that they will continue to endeavour to create a better quality of life for the citizens of our District.”

At the AGM the new Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons for 2004-2005 were introduced. Taking over the reins as Chairperson is Councillor Cassie McDermott, local authority representative. Vice-Chairpersons for the incoming year are Dan McCool, statutory sector representative and Anne Cromie, community sector representative.