This week's news of a boost for north Belfast's housing has been welcomed - while the Housing Minister has at the same time been accused of failing to meet local people on the matter.

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast and member of the DSD spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the announcement that the Long Streets, Parkside and Victoria Gardens areas are to receive a £38m redevelopment.

She has paid particular attention to the residents who have campaigned tirelessly to see that this scheme was delivered.

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Speaking today Ms Ní Chuilín said: ''This announcement is to be welcomed and is long overdue.

"I have to congratulate the residents who have been persistent in their demands for better and adequate housing and have campaigned tirelessly to achieve this over the past year while living in substandard conditions.

"However I do have to say that it is with a measure of 'contempt' that the Minister has shown in ignoring the democratically elected representatives of the local housing and residents groups who have been to the fore in this campaign.

"The residents had to find out about this announcement through a highly visible media event despite their continued and indeed recent requests for a meeting with Margaret Ritchie," she continued.

"The housing shortage in north Belfast remains at crisis point and whilst this is a step forward it actually will do little to tackle the stark inequality of the waiting lists where three quarters of need are nationalist."

(BMcC/GK)