A PROJECT aimed at bringing new life into the Lisanelly area of Omagh has earned kudos for a local community group.

The regeneration strategy for Lisanelly Heights reached the recent finals of the national housing awards held in London.

The Lisanelly Heights Development Association was nominated for its excellent delivery in the regeneration of the estate.

Housing Executive's Community liaison officer, Jackie O'Neill and chairperson of the Lisanelly Heights Association, Siobhan McDermott received the certificate in London on behalf of the group.

Commenting on the nomination Jackie O'Neill said, "We are delighted that the hard work and effort from all involved in the regeneration of Lisanelly Heights has been recognised at a national level. The success of the regeneration strategy has been due to a holistic approach and an inter-agency partnership as well as the commitment from the members of the Association. The physical transformation that has taken place in Lisanelly Heights has been complemented by the social changes and has involved the elderly as well as the young people from the estate.

The input from the Development Association and their approach in terms of creating the various partnerships and exploiting funding opportunities has been a major factor in the regeneration of the estate."

Siobhan McDermott, chairperson, said that it was a great achievement for the estate. "We are indebted to the help and encouragement that we have received from the various agencies including the Housing Executive, Omagh District Council, Western Education and Library Board, NITAP, the Local Strategic Partnership and the PSNI.

In addition to the environmental improvement scheme and physical improvements made to our homes the new Community House, GK House, has been particularly instrumental in helping us develop as a community. The play and sport facilities provided through Omagh District Council and the Local Strategy Partnership has helped our youth enormously."