A well known block of run-down flats in the Lower Falls area of Belfast are to be demolished.

In recent years the condition of the Ross Street flats has deteriorated and the area has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and this has been near intolerable for local people and a local man, Bap McGreevy, was even murdered at the flats.

NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has proposed that 11, three-bedroom houses will replace the existing flats, with two alleyways onto the Falls Road closed off. This will help make the area a safer place to live with the Minister now ready to put his proposals out for consultation to the local community.

Alex Attwood said: "I recognise that these flats have had a difficult, and at times, very dark past. I have visited the area. I have spoken with local residents individually.

"It has become more and more evident to me that we need not just new housing here, but also a much improved environment, to make the area not vulnerable to the activity of anti social elements, and more appealing for those who will live here," he said.

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The revised plans, drawn up by the NI Housing Executive on the Minister's instructions, involve the demolition of 12 flats, two houses and six cottages in the area.

The eleven new family homes will bring more people to live on this site than the current housing provides for.

The Minister continued: "I believe the plans represent a good chance to address all of the issues raised with me and I am determined to move them on without further delay. I want to hear what residents think of our plans and subject to those views, expect to be able to have the final plans drawn up as early as October this year."

The Department previously did not agree plans for demolition in the area as it was felt they didn't go far enough in addressing the issues of anti-social behaviour and the effect they would have on waiting lists for the area.

Since then, housing need in the Lower Falls has fallen and new sites in Clonard Gardens and at the Bass Brewery on the Glen Road have been announced to alleviate the issue of housing need further.

The new houses will be designed to high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency and will reflect the very latest in safety and security standards.

The Minister, together with the Housing Executive, will hold a public meeting in the area next week to have detailed discussions with local residents on the proposals.

Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has welcomed "the long overdue decision" to demolish Ross Road flats and described it as a "victory for the community, for the residents of Ross Road flats and for common sense".

"There should now be no further delay in moving ahead with demolition," he said.

(GK/BMcC)