L/R Cllr Trevor Cummings, Richard Rodgers (Groundwork), Cllr Robert Adair (Mayor), Philip Smith (Chair, Comber Regeneration Community Partnership)

Comber Regeneration Community Partnership has outlined exciting plans to transform a disused civic amenity site thanks to £44,500 of funding awarded through the Alpha Programme. The derelict site, which is owned by Ards and North Down Borough Council will be transformed to become a focal point of the community, managed by Comber Regeneration Community Partnership (CRCP).

CRCP is a not for profit organisation aimed at advancing the physical, economic and social regeneration of Comber. This new project will encourage local community groups and schools to avail of the garden aimed at becoming a community hub.

Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council Councillor Robert Adair welcomed the funding: “I am delighted that Comber will be benefitting from the Alpha Programme fund, transforming the derelict site into a community garden promoting horticulture, biodiversity whilst at the same time instilling civic pride.”

The Alpha Programme, now in its 10th year distributes funding through the Landfill Communities Fund to a range of community led and biodiversity projects within a 15-mile radius of the landfill site at Mullaghglass on the outskirts of Lisburn. Alpha Resource Management developed the programme in 2008; it is a waste management and green energy company within the Lagan Group.

The £44k funding package will be used to enhance a previously disused site in Comber surplus to the requirements of the local council. The project involves the provision of polytunnels and raised beds for growing flowers and vegetables, which will be used at sites around Comber. CRCP also plan to convert the former site office into a shed for gardeners.

Upgrading a currently unused piece of land will provide an opportunity for the local community to come together and use the shared space while being wholly run by volunteers.

Commenting on the latest funding package Niamh-Anne McNally from Alpha Resource Management said; “Over the last decade we have supported 148 projects with £5.07m investment. This funding continues to play an important role in bringing local areas and towns together in a unique mix of community and environmental projects. It is fantastic to see that a wide range of projects from all sections of the community have innovative and ambitious plans for their area.”

The Alpha Programme is managed by Groundwork NI and funding is awarded on a quarterly basis.

Richard Rogers who oversees the Alpha Programme added; “We are delighted to support Comber Regeneration Community Partnership and Ards & North Down Council in their efforts to make this site an asset for the town and its residents. We hope that it will become a focal point for growing and learning about horticulture, and a shared space which everyone in Comber can benefit from”.

Anyone considering applying to the Programme is encouraged to contact Groundwork NI at alphaprogramme@groundworkni.co.uk to discuss their application prior to submission. 

March 2018 Funding Summary

Small Grants Awards

• Dunmurry Sports Association Cricket Club - Fullerton Park Cricket Initiative,   £7,544
• Willowfield Parish Community Association- Fresh Start, £4,982

Main Grants Awards

• Ards and North Down Borough Council- Comber Community Garden, £44,500
• Líonra Uladh Teo – ‘External Environmental Improvement Works’- £49,993
• Santos Football Club – ‘Provide Floodlighting to Grass Pitch Facility’- £50,000
• St Paul’s GAC – ‘Grass Pitch Drainage’- £50,000
• St Peter’s GAC – ‘St Peter’s Ground Improvements Project’- £50,000