The Jolly Roger Complex 85 Alliance Road, Belfast, BT14 7JE Tele: 02890 741 333
Secretaries Report for the AGM 2022 - 2023 Date: Monday 05 September 2022 JR Complex @ 14:00pm
Ronnie Black – Secretary. Short Synopsis of our work.
I would like to thank all those on the committee and the membership of CRUA for their continued support in me to deliver addressing the ongoing issues that have raised concern over that last year in terms of the area and how we intend to move forward.
Through the TASCIT partnership CRUA are still very much pursuing the Peace Walls Initiative supported by the International Fund for Ireland. We have continued to lobby our statutory representatives to support the PWP Initiative.
Zoom Meetings have continued and the working of CRUA within the PWP continues to gain some momentum. Due to the Studio Idir report being over ambiguous and bizarre with some ideas and recommendations TASCIT have asked DOJ to get drafted up more realistic concepts for further consultation with the residents on both sides of the divide.
Whilst lobbying for the support we recognise that it will be those residents that are living closest to the peace-line that will ultimately make the final decision on its future towards Removal, Reimaging, Restructuring or Declassification.
Xmas seen CRUA along with the other partners of TASCIT hold a scaled down Xmas event this year. The TASCIT Partners agreed that due to the COVID it would be wise not to hold the event indoors in the Ardoyne Ambulance station. This year we travelled around each partner’s areas with the Santa in Car and delivered selection boxes to the kids that were waiting to see Santa. This was very successful and less stressful for residents meeting in large groups.
Supported by:
CRUA has continued to work with and for the Community in terms of addressing localised issues, and signposting residents in need of support. These issues would range from Housing to Welfare queries and Benefit applications. The signposting services would consist of residents that need help with mental health issues.
CRUA over the summer months have been working with other community organisation to try and restore and keep calm at interface area due to the Northern Ireland Protocol causing problems within Loyalist area.
We have been throughout the year been monitoring the interface for anti-social behavior and we will continue to liaise with the PSNI, Councilors and other youth providers to try and prevent and minimise the dangers that our young people face on a daily basis.
CRUA have lobbied the NIHE for further redevelopment of Glenbryn Drive. Discussion are ongoing and CRUA will continue in its endeavors to see the area rebuilt with Social Housing.
Above all, we are still committed to pursuing a peaceful and sustainable community and will work with whatever quarter it takes, to ensure that the quality of life for our residents is upheld.
As I make my final remarks it is my sincere hope that CRUA will continue in their endeavors to provide a much needed service for this community.
Ronnie Black Secretary 07711933225 On Behalf of CRUA