Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland lent a hand on the brickwork at a new £1 million family housing scheme at Springhill Park, in Newry.

The development of six new homes adjacent to Springhill Drive is being developed by Ulidia Housing Association with part funding from the Northern Ireland Executive. The site was formerly owned by the Housing Executive and was taken up by Ulidia to provide new housing for families from the social housing waiting list.

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Minister McCausland said: "The importance of good housing in people’s lives cannot be underestimated. Ulidia Housing Association is to be congratulated for providing these much needed houses in an area that continues to have a high housing need.

"My Department requires that all new social housing is constructed to high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency. In approving this scheme to go forward we have ensured that these exacting standards have all been met."

The three bedroom semi detached accommodation will have Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes accreditation, which ensures added security features and flexibility of adaptation if required at a later date. The scheme is planned for completion in March 2013.

(CD)