Have Your Say: Council to Develop New Community Strategy

The Community Team from Ards and North Down Borough Council is seeking your help to develop a new community strategy. 

We need your thoughts on how we should provide services such as play clubs and summer schemes, how we can support communities and how you would like community centres and halls to operate in your area.  

To have your say please attend one of the seven workshops being held over the coming weeks or complete our online survey.  

The new Community Strategy will help shape the future of community services in the Borough and provide a clear direction for the Council to improve this provision for the duration of the Strategy (2026-2035). The Strategy will cover Council's direct provision which includes play clubs, summer schemes, over 50+ club;  our volunteer engagement activity; and our community centre and hall provision/ operating arrangements.   

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, is encouraging people to get involved.  She said:

"Council wants to work with partners and local people to build communities that are active, inclusive, welcoming and safe right across Ards and North Down.  We know a huge amount of work is already being delivered by groups and volunteers, as well as by statutory partners, and we want all of you to engage with us now as we take time to develop the Council's Strategy for the next 10 years.  You will know what is working well and what is needed so please take the time to speak to us so that our new strategy can accurately reflect the needs of our Borough."  

Seven community workshops are being held across the Borough as detailed below. They are informal, drop-in, events offering opportunities for residents to find out more about how the Council is developing the strategy and to share their views on priorities. 

Everyone is welcome to attend between 6pm - 8pm at the following locations.

• Donaghadee Community Centre: Tuesday 14 October
• Portaferry Market House: Thursday 16 October
• Ballygowan Village Hall: Tuesday 21 October
• Manor Court Community Centre, Newtownards: Wednesday 22 October
• Alderman George Green Community Centre, Bangor: Thursday 23 October
• Skipperstone Community Centre, Bangor: Monday 27 October
• Queens Hall, Hollywood: Tuesday 28 October

If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can complete our community survey online which will be circulated in the coming weeks.