Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly has expressed his delight at news Fold Housing Association is to bring new accommodation to Antrim Town.

A campaigner for fold-type housing, Councillor Kelly got the news at the Public Services Committee meeting, held at Antrim Civic Centre on Thursday, July 26.

At the meeting he once again questioned Housing Executive representatives, asking why there was no fold type accommodation in Antrim.

Councillor Kelly said: "In October of last year, my Alliance Party colleagues in the Assembly tabled a written question to the Housing Minister on this issue and I was heartened to hear that the Minister recognised there was an increasing need for older persons accommodation in the Town and was advertising for a suitable location.

-- Advertisement --

"When I asked for an update on this I was delighted to hear that progress has been made and the Housing Executive had asked Fold to manage the project once they secure the site in the Town. This is great news for all of the people of Antrim.

"Since being elected in 2011 I have worked with my Party colleague in the Assembly, David Ford MLA, making this one of our priorities in the Town. I have been active in raising this at all levels and David Ford and I had a productive meeting with the District Manager of the Housing Executive back in March of this year.

"Most importantly we have listened to residents at the doorstep and consulted with older persons groups throughout the last 14 months. I am pleased we will have another option for our older people to consider when planning their future."

David Ford said: "I would like to thank the Housing Executive for taking this decision and I am pleased they have listened to residents and political representatives. It is pleasing when hard work is rewarded but there is still work to be done. I have requested an early meeting with Fold Group to discuss their plans for the site, to ensure our older person's needs are best met."

(CD/GK)