Ulster Unionist Social Development Spokesperson, Billy Armstrong, has said that news

of a further £6million being made available to NI Housing Executive maintenance

programmes will "give hope to many worried tenants".

"We have dealt with many housing queries in our constituency offices in recent months,

prompted by tenants’ fears over a lack of funding for home improvements," he said.

"As recently as November, there were serious doubts cast over whether this money would be secured for social housing grant aid and now that it has been delivered by the Minister it is a superb boost for those eligible and the contractors involved.

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"Those seeking kitchen replacements and new heating systems in houses which are in

desperate need of modernisation and eligible for funding will be delighted by this news.

"Previous funding shortages and a cessation of work had caused great consternation

among those reliant on Housing Executive assistance, so this is really good news for

many of those in need."

The Mid-Ulster MLA continued: "I am delighted that this will also offer a tremendous boost to those within the construction sector, who are doubtless glad of every piece of work that comes their way during these troubled economic times.

"The credit crunch and the global economic downturn have had a devastating impact

upon many sectors within Northern Ireland, particularly within construction and property,

and I appreciate the Department of Social Development’s efforts to capture the

necessary funds to make a real difference.

"That being said, this money will not solve the problems of private homeowners,

struggling with dangerous electrical problems, leaking roofs and damp, who would once

have sought grant aid. This is now no longer available, and they too need assistance as

a matter of urgency."

(NS/BMcc)