Atwood Must Act On East Belfast Housing Needs
Robin Newton East Belfast DUP MLA has called on Belfast City Council to urgently take action on the development of two vacant sites in East Belfast.
Robin Newton said,
"Currently there are two vacant sites that could be developed to help deal with the fast growing demand for public sector housing. I acknowledge the City Council cannot tackle the matter on its own but needs a partnership with the Dept. for Social Development (DSD).
Site number one is the former public toilets location in Templemore Avenue and the site has been granted planning approval for six houses. Site two is the recently closed Clara Street Civic Amenity site and this spot has the potential to provide a large number of family homes.
With between 4000 and 6000 East Belfast men, women and children on the current housing waiting list these sites offer at least a start on addressing the housing shortage crisis.
The SDLPs DSD Minister Alex Atwood, who has responsibility for housing, cannot as his predecessor (Margaret Ritchie) did hide behind the excuse of no sites being available.
The matter must be addressed urgently as the social problems continue to grow in the inner city area. Alex Atwood and Belfast City Council need to give a little hope to those languishing on the waiting list."
