The NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood visited Creggan in Londonderry this week to meet residents who have voted to take part in the first large scale housing stock transfer of its kind in Northern Ireland.

The transfer proposal was based on the ownership and management of 55 existing Housing Executive homes in the estate all transferring to Apex Housing Association.

Following the transfer, Apex will carry out improvements to the 38 homes in Rinmore Drive, Linsfort Drive and Balbane Pass and redevelop the 17 bungalows in Culdaff Gardens to provide 18 much needed new family homes. The cost of the refurbishment alone is expected to be over £1.3million and Apex will raise this entirely through private finance.

During his visit to the estate, Minister Attwood paid tribute to the residents for coming forward and being the first to take part in this type of initiative.

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He said: "Back in the summer of 2009, my predecessor was approached by the local community who wanted to see what more they could do to get the work on the remaining homes in their estate completed. Since then we have worked closely with the Housing Executive and Apex Housing Association to see how this could be delivered. This has always been a community led initiative and the wishes of the community have been paramount at all times in this process."

The Minister continued: "I welcome that the process has brought about such overwhelming support for this transfer with 89% of tenants voting in favour of it. I wanted to call with residents during my visit to Derry this afternoon to thank them for their patience over the last months and assure them that I have heard their message and will support their desire to have these homes transferred and improved.

"I have spoken to the Chairman of the Housing Executive to make sure we finalise the process so these homes can transfer without further delay and he has reassured me that the Housing Executive are also supportive of the residents’ wishes."

It is anticipated that following the formal transfer in the coming months, work can begin to refurbish the homes by the summer and after years of uncertainty residents can now look forward to a brighter future in a newly refurbished and better home.

(GK)