Mourne’s Sinn Fein Cllr Willie Clarke speaking following making representations to the Housing Executive in relation to the new build of the arson damaged accommodation in Bracken Avenue, Newcastle,said: “The rebuild at the flats has taken a considerable period of time.
“I have been informed by Housing Executive officials that the contract is at the tender stage, and it is important that this process is completed as quickly as possible. I appreciate the NI 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, has created a blight on the entire community .”
Cllr Clarke added: “This work cannot be carried out in isolation of the safety of the communal areas at the flats in Bracken avenue, the security of the new tenants has to be paramount. I have made known my views in what needs to be carried out by the Housing Executive, there needs to be improved lighting, measures to reduce the numbers who have access to the rear communal areas, CCTV installation in the communal stairways and ensuring the intercom system is working.”
“The rebuild and the design of the communal area to the rear of the flats, particularly from a safety aspect, has to be got right, to prevent further arson attacks. We were extremely fortunate that no citizen lost their life following the previous arson attacks, the Housing Executive are meeting this week to agree the safety measures that will be installed in the flats. This is essential to ensure the safety of the new tenants who will allocated the new accommodation.”
