Derry / Londonderry

Lettershandoney Green – awarded £7,000

Lettershandoney is an isolated rural estate in Derry, which suffered from a wide range of problems including low levels of educational attainment, poor access to social and recreational facilities and high levels of anti-social behaviour - particularly amongst young people.

Local community activists had been trying to re-develop an area of waste ground at the centre of the estate without success. Groundwork co-ordinated a number of meetings with community representatives, Derry City Council and the Housing Executive to discuss options for re-developing the site. With Barclays SiteSavers support it became possible to regenerate the site. Consultation with residents refined these proposals and work soon began.

Following site clearance and the removal of the old chain-link fence surrounding the site, a network of tarmac paths allowing access around and through the site was created. A bow-top fence was installed around the perimeter, the site was grassed and trees were planted around the periphery. Stainless steel seats and litter bins were then installed.

Alongside this landscaping work, a series of design workshops were held with the local school to develop a central feature for the 'Green'. The designs feature a range of images from people and animals to spaceships and stars.

The scheme has completely transformed a long-term problem site and has acted as a major boost to the community group in their efforts to regenerate the area.