DUP MLA for North Down, Alex Easton, original proposed motion for the development of a Community Charter between Council and the community finally goes through Council.

He said that the council needed to develop a better working relationship with community groups across the Borough and to work hand-in-hand with community representatives in order to help them help their local areas.

He added that the Charter had been worked on by the local community and presented to local the communities prior to adoption.

Speaking tonight he said:

“It was imperative that the council adopted a Charter for Communities and that council establishes a better working relationship with local Community Associations’ in order to assist local communities’ within the Borough.

I welcome that this has finally come to fruition this evening and we know that the will exists to improve and advance the needs of the people of North Down.

North Down can be a champion for those in need. We have many areas of social disadvantage which are recognized by Central Government as being areas of social need. As a Council we needed to focus on advancing community needs and dialogue and help them meet their stated goals. North Down Borough Council can and must work in partnership with everyone living in the Borough, the roots of which are already sown with the development of a Community Charter.

The last year has been a tough one for the council and local community associations and I am keen to see relations improve and the needs of the local communities advanced. A new starting point is in the adoption of the Community Charter and I am delighted to have played a small role in this”!

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