Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has opened a new £1million family housing scheme in Newtownabbey.

The development which includes the restoration of the former derelict Abbey Hill House, consists of six three bedroom houses and four two bedroom apartments and is called Abbeyville Court.

Abbey Hill House was renovated to provide four apartments with six new build houses now occupying the adjoining grounds. All were provided by Oaklee Homes Group, with part funding from the Northern Ireland Executive.

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Minister McCausland said: "I am delighted to see this vacant property brought back into use for the benefit of local families. Along with the development of the adjoining grounds, we now have ten much needed homes for those on the social housing waiting list.

"Bringing empty homes back into use and addressing blight are two areas that are high on my agenda with both featuring heavily in my new Housing Strategy. The wastefulness of empty housing is an issue that I hear raised again and again. This new housing project addresses both issues and has made a dramatic and positive impact in this area.

"Oaklee Homes Group is to be congratulated for providing this accommodation in an area that continues to have a high housing need."

(CD)