The Minister for Social Development (DSD) has been called on by a Derry MLA to extend his housing regeneration project to the North West after he made an announcement this morning launching programmes in Belfast and Ballymena.
The Fountain Estate.
DSD Minister Nelson McCauland said six special regeneration areas had been earmarked to build stronger communities.
Parts of north and west Belfast and Ballymena were chosen for pilot projects which aim to improve housing and reverse decline in the communities.
However, the omission by Derry’s Fountain Estate has been criticised by SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey,
Mr Ramsey revealed he recently met with the Minister and his officials about a special housing regeneration project for the Fountain area of his constituency following concerns from residents.
He added: “Today, the Minister for Social Development has announced schemes in Belfast and Ballymena, but has neglected the North West.
“In the Minister’s statement regarding the six areas he has chosen for intervention, he said ‘All are already designated areas of deprivation but, critically, have good potential for recovery with available land or properties that can be refurbished.”
Calling on the Minister to look again at the potential for regeneration in the Fountain Estate, Mr Ramsey said it clearly fell within a “deprived area” and there was good potential for recovery with several properties that could be refurbished.
Mr Ramsey concluded: “It is clearly recognised that a regenerated area has many benefits for its resident,s and it is time for the Minister to look very carefully at the benefits that could be realised in this city in the regeneration of housing stock.”
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