Ritchie Visits Long Streets Housing Committee

Margaret Ritchie, Northern Ireland Social Development Minister, visited the 'Long Streets' area of the New Lodge, north Belfast, this week to meet with local Homeowners’ Committee representatives.

After undertaking a short tour of the area the Minister discussed housing issues with the committee. The Homeowner’s Committee were keen to illustrate some of the poorer conditions of the dwellings in the area.

"The NI Housing Executive has put forward proposals to revitalise this area of Belfast, and clearly some work is necessary," the Minister said.


"It was very useful for me to see the housing conditions in the Long Streets areas and to meet with some enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers from the Homeowner's Committee. They are to be congratulated for their efforts to deliver improvements to the area."

She said that the age of some of the dwellings played a major factor in the housing situation in this area and it was that which the Minister wanted to see for herself.

Ms Ritchie also dropped in on Sam Burns, the Manager of the North Belfast Employment Centre in nearby Duncairn Gardens.

The centre plays a crucial role in providing services that meet the needs of the unemployed and other social and economically disadvantaged groups in the area.

(JM)