Council digs in with support for Monkstown Community project

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have pledged support for Monkstown Community Association towards their Community ‘grow and eat it’ project.  The group have secured external funding and the Council have agreed £3K to support this project.
 
It is proposed to use the vacant Council land at the entrance of Monkstown Jubilee Centre to establish a shared Community Garden space to grow and eat home-grown produce.
 
A rich and diverse natural environment can play an important role in enhancing quality of life and help promote healthier lifestyles, whilst providing a tranquil landscape for spiritual renewal, particularly in an urban environment such as Monkstown.
 
The overall project would promote integration and inclusion, and complement a recent Council project for a communal seating area and sensory garden at the Centre.
 
Gardening is a pursuit that provides wide-ranging benefits to local communities as well as the natural environment, and can make a positive change to the quality of people’s lives.
 
It has long been recognised that there is something special about community growing communities. Within the setting of the site, age, gender, race, social status and occupation have little relevance; everyone works together for their mutual benefit, which can help strengthen bonds in the community.
 
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am pleased the Council are able to lend their support to this very worthwhile project. This Community area will be an additional open space for the community to come together, build friendships and appreciate the benefits of growing and enjoying home grown produce.”