The Glenravel Environment Improvement Association

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Background

Glenravel Environmental Improvement Association was formed in March 1993 and has a committee representing the three villages within Glenravel - Cargan, Martinstown and Newtowncrommelin. The Association has recently moved to a new office above the Credit Union at 1 Lisnamanagh Park in Martinstown and employs a part-time development officer shared with Cullybackey Environmental Improvement Association.

Aims & Objectives

The association was formed with the following objective:

"to promote through self help and common effort the improvement of the physical environment of the area of Glenravel incorporating the villages of Cargan, Martinstown and Newtowncrommelin."

The Association early aims included improving the attractiveness of the countryside by planting trees and flowers, introducing hanging baskets, discovering old pathways, instituting nature trails and generally encouraging people to be aware of their surroundings.

 Achievements

Since its inception the Association has gradually developed in terms of both skills within the Association and in the scale of projects undertaken. GEIA can claim the following achievements:

·        Environmental Improvement Scheme: Carried out in 1999, the scheme was aimed at improving the general appearance of the three villages in the area and involved tree planting, introduction of planter tubs, improvement to properties, seating etc as a well as a major refurbishment of Cargan Picnic Area.  The group obtained a funding package of over £100 000 from Ballymena District Partnership (Peace & Reconciliation), North Antrim Leader Ltd, Ballymena Borough Council, Environment & Heritage Service, the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme (through the Ulster Wildlife Trust) and local businesses.

·        Martinstown Play Area: The association has recently completed the first phase of a recreation area in Martinstown - the play area, with funding from Ballymena Borough Council, The Causeway Initiative under the Pilot Sustainable Tourism Support Scheme funded by the E U Special Support Programme for Peace & Reconciliation, the Rural development Council and a donation from Glenravel Festival. 

·        Community Minibus: In June 1999, GEIA obtained funding from the Rural Development Council to purchase a Ford Transit minibus and convert it for wheelchair use.  Glenravel Community Transport Ltd, was then set up with the aim of providing accessible and affordable transport for the local community.  Over 15 groups in the area use the minibus and the group employs a part-time driver through EnterpriseUlster.

·        Community Consultation: In December 1998, the association carried out a Community Audit to establish a consensus of local opinion on development priorities for the area.  The audit received a 46% return and was followed by a Public Meeting to further discuss the issues. A review exercise was carried out in October 2001 as part of a wider N Antrim initiative.  A targeted and focused Community Action Plan has been prepared along five themes - Environment; Youth, Community & Recreation; Transport & Elderly; Agriculture; Training & Advice.

·        Skerry Memorial Garden (see photo below)

·        Quarterly Community Newsletter

·        Lobbying for traffic calming measures

·        Christmas lighting

·        Hanging Baskets

·        Fundraising

·        Glenravel mural

Future Plans

GEIA has found itself expanding its role from a solely environmental focus to encompass social and economic issues also. The recently produced Community Action Plan and earlier Community Audit have highlighted a number of issues that require attention. The Community Action Plan will form the basis for the work of the association over the next three years.  However the association recognises that it cannot promise to resolve all the issues identified.  This requires assistance from the whole community and GEIA intends to encourage local people to take the next step and become involved in attempts to address the issues that they have identified as priorities for development in the area.

The association is currently applying for funding for Phase II of Martinstown Recreation Area.  Phase II of the scheme, as proposed will include a floodlit multi use games area, car parking, wetland and wildlife areas, path network, and picnic and interpretative facilities and the association are confident they will be able to secure the necessary funding.  Watch this space!

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