The Jolly Roger Complex 85 Alliance Road, Belfast, BT14 7JE Tele: 02890 741 333
==> picture [298 x 85] intentionally omitted <==
Secretary’s Report for the AGM 2025 - 2026 Date: Monday 6 October 2025 JR Complex @ 2:00pm
Ronnie Black – Secretary. Synopsis of our work. Period April 2024 – March 2025
Introduction
I am pleased to present my report as the secretary of the CRUA Committee to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). This report will outline 2/3 main levels of working of which CRUA Committee have been involved in and working toward on behalf of its residents.
-
1) Workings of TASCIT (Twaddell Ardoyne Shankill Communities in Transitions. 2) Interfaces and General Area security.
-
3) Area issues to include Housing, Advice and Signposting residents to relevant agencies.
I would like to start by thanking all the committee and the membership of CRUA for their continued support in me delivering and addressing the ongoing issues that have raised concern over that last year in terms of the area and how we intend to move forward.
Mission Statement
To enhance the quality of life in our community by addressing social isolation and promoting positive change to encourage residents to engage in community programs and to assist in building cohesiveness, that will ultimately lead to a strong and thriving community.
Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne exists to advocate for the needs, safety, and wellbeing of residents. The group works at the interfaces between the communities, working with Local Statutory Agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that residents’ voices are heard and respected.
==> picture [55 x 55] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [168 x 45] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [121 x 44] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [97 x 44] intentionally omitted <==
Supported by:
Overview of the Year
TASCIT
TASCIT partnerships consists of 4 partners. TWRA, CRUA, NBIN and LSCA. Each area conducts community developments in their own areas while also working in partnership with the other 3 areas of TASCIT.
-
1) 3 Tranches of Challenging Conversation. Over 60 Participants on a Cross Community basis completed the courses.
-
2) Study Visits to Dublin and South Armagh with an overnight residential.
-
3) Meet the Neighbours Event in the Everton Day Centre Car Park. – A Fun Day for all. Over 400 people attend throughout the day from both sections of the community. Included Bouncy Castles, Face Painter, Animal Educational, Food Stalls and much More.
-
4) Christmas Event held in the Ardoyne Ambulance Station. Santa Sleigh and Castles Rides and Food Stall, around 400 people attended again on a Cross Community basis.
The main objective of TASCIT and its funders are the peace lines. We understand whilst lobbying for 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.
This year has been both challenging and productive. Ongoing interface tensions and community concerns required consistent engagement with residents and external agencies. Despite these pressures, the group continued to provide a strong, collective voice for the area.
Key Activities and Achievements
During the year, the group:
-
Engaged with statutory bodies including local councils, housing authorities, and policing services
-
Acted as a liaison at interface areas to help reduce tensions and promote dialogue
-
Supported residents during periods of heightened community concerns
-
Advocated for improved services, safety measures, and environmental conditions
-
Pressure group with NIHE to develop the area of Glenbryn Drive.
Community Impact
The group’s work has contributed to:
-
Improved communication between residents and authorities
-
Greater awareness of local issues at decision-making levels
-
Enhanced sense of community solidarity and support
-
Reduced tensions through ongoing interface engagement efforts
==> picture [457 x 70] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [55 x 55] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [168 x 45] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [121 x 44] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [97 x 44] intentionally omitted <==
Supported by:
Challenges and Lessons Learned
CRUA have been working hard to minimize interface related incidents across our area. Most of these incidents are made up of youth having nothing better to do but to arrange fights with youth from a different religion.
Much of these fights are nothing more than Anti-Social Behaviour and a nuisance to our residents living next to the interface, of whom, have a right to live in peace and harmony.
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 the dangers that our young people face daily.
Key challenges included:
-
Ongoing interface-related tensions
-
Limited funding and resources
-
Managing diverse community concerns
These challenges reinforced the importance of unity, clear communication, and continued engagement with all stakeholders.
Future Priorities
CRUA will continue to lobby the Department for Communities/NIHE to build housing on Glenbryn Drive which has been lying derelict and leaves a blighted area for over 2 decades. We have also included in our conversations the derelict site at the bottom of Alliance Road where the Grace Center is built on the other side of the peace Line.
In the coming year, the group aims to:
-
Continue advocating for residents’ needs and safety
-
Strengthen relationships with statutory and community partners
-
Increase resident participation and engagement
-
Seek additional funding to support community initiatives
-
Promote positive dialogue and reduce interface tensions
We extend our sincere thanks to all residents, volunteers, and partner organisations who have supported our work throughout the year. Your involvement is essential to the strength of our community.
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.
There were further oral reports and discussions on how to better the area and gain momentum for the regeneration of derelict / wasteland within the community.
Ronnie Black Secretary 07711933225 On Behalf of CRUA
==> picture [55 x 55] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [168 x 45] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [121 x 44] intentionally omitted <==
==> picture [97 x 44] intentionally omitted <==
Supported by: