Hundreds ascended the steps of Stormont yesterday to send the message loud and clear to minister for social development, Alex Attwood, that cuts will not be tolerated within the most marginalised communities across the north.

 Many across the community and voluntary sector, whose communities benefit directly through neighbourhood renewal funding, were there to make the point on behalf of their organisation and community.

UNISON joined with its members to ensure that jobs and front line community services are not seen as the safe option, as the executive considers the implementation of Tory/Lib Dem cuts.

The demonstrators were addressed on the steps of the Assembly by Cáral Ní Chuilín, Sinn Féin social development spokesperson, who pledged her support for neighbourhood renewal, and also by SDLP Minister for Social development - Alex Attwood.

 A delegation comprised of a cross section of community activists and trade unionists then met with Mr Attwood in assembly chambers.

 UNISON Branch Secretary, Niall Enright, speaking on the steps of Stormont after the meeting said:

“It was a fairly positive meeting in that Mr Attwood did pledge his support for Neighbourhood Renewal generally and did recognise that those who work under neighbourhood renewal provide a vital, frontline service and not an optional extra.

“However, Mr Attwood was unable to commit on funding and unable to commit on the future of Neighbourhood renewal in 2011. He painted the picture that his options were few in the face of budget constraints.

“UNISON does not accept this and has rolled out an extensive economic alternative which the executive and the political parties could implement if there existed the political will.

“Their choice is between fighting for their communities in every way or implementing the most draconian cuts in over half a century and face the electorate in May.

“We need only look south to the example of the Dublin government, now bailed out by the IMF and Europe, to get an idea of where this type of economic approach may leave the north.

“Whilst I agree with his sentiments that he must fund a family of services, including housing and benefits to name a few, he has a responsibility to fight equally for all services within his departmental budget. Communities are only as strong as the sum of their parts and communities in the most dire need depend upon the broad range of community services afforded through neighbourhood renewal.

“UNISON will continue to play its part in the campaign group and the workplace to ensure jobs and services within the most marginalised communities are protected and developed.

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