Strangford DUP MLA Simon Hamilton has welcomed the Social Development Minister Lord Morrow MLA to the Glen Estate in Newtownards.

"Many residents have been raising their concerns about the state of their roofs.  The Development Association has been lobbying for a new roof scheme for some time and I have supported them in their endeavours.  The Housing Executive have recognised the problem but their ability to repair the roofs are hampered by the fact that because of the particular design of the houses in the Glen an entire row of houses have to have their roofs fixed.  This problem is compounded further by the mixed tenure of housing with some now privately owned with others in the social sector.  So it isn’t simple or straightforward for the Housing Executive to repair one of its tenant’s homes without also repairing those of a private owner because of the type of roofing.  Obviously the Housing Executive are unable to spend public money on privately owned homes so this has delayed the necessary repairs.

"I was keen that Lord Morrow come out and see the situation for himself.  Our discussion with the Development Association illustrated to him the issues facing local residents and I am pleased to say that he has instructed officials to move forward swiftly with a possible pilot scheme later this year.  This could mark the beginning of a wider scheme across the estate which would see tenants and owner occupiers all getting the roof repairs they need using a special scheme which could provide support. 

"I believe that Lord Morrow’s positive approach will be welcomed by the Development Association and local residents and I look forward to positive progress in the months ahead.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Simon Hamilton MLA with Lord Morrow MLA, Cllr Stephen McIlveen, Paul Isherwood of the Housing Executive and Margaret Cox and John Gibson of the Glen Ward Community Development Association.