Mourne’s Sinn Fein Councillor Willie Clarke has requested a meeting with senior NI Housing Executive officials to discuss the new build proposals of the arson damaged flats in Bracken Avenue, Newcastle.
Councillor Clarke said: “The redevelopment process at the flats has taken a considerable period of time, I have been informed by NI Housing Executive officials that they are reviewing their design proposals, It is important that this process is completed as quickly as possible. One option that needs to be given careful consideration is demolishing a number of the flats,replacing them with an alternative model of housing.
“The rebuild and the design of the new housing has to be got right, to prevent further arson attacks, but to improve the accommodation for tenants, but also create an improvement in the wellbeing of all residents of the area.I appreciate the Housing Executive have complex issues to deal with in regards this new build following the arson attack, but residents are frustrated that this fire damaged shell, is a blight on the entire community.
“I have requested that the area around the destroyed flats is maintained to a satisfactory standard,while the process of redevelopment is taking place,” added Cllr Willie Clarke.
