NI Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie is to extend the consultation period on plans for the regeneration of five deprived areas of Belfast.

The two-week extension has been granted in order to afford local organisations more time to put forward their views on the concept plans for physical regeneration within their areas.

The Department has extended the formal consultation period to 3 March on the Physical Regeneration Concept Masterplans for Inner East Belfast, York Road/Shore Road, the Crumlin Road (including Lower Oldpark), the Lower Shankill, and the Lower Falls.

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Minister Ritchie said: "The regeneration of these main arterial routes into Belfast will play a key role in the ongoing rejuvenation of the city; not least for those living and working in these localities. For too long these areas have not fulfilled their economic potential. We must work together to see that change.

"In order to arrive at a shared, positive vision of how each of these areas could develop over the next decade, it is imperative that we hear the views of everyone who has a stake in their future: including local residents, community groups, local businesses and private developers."

"It is for this reason that I have taken the decision to extend the consultation period and would call on all interested parties to have their say on the concept masterplans," she added.

(NS/GK)