Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has called on the National Trust to review its tenancy agreements to allow families on lower incomes to access properties.

Speaking after meeting representatives from the Trust, Mr McMullan said: "I arranged a meeting with the National Trust after it was revealed that several people in the Glens area were refused tenancy agreements due to the fact that they did not meet the financial requirements set out by the Trust.

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"This is a major disadvantage to people who live in areas covered by the Trust and who want to remain in the area after leaving the family home. In all the cases I am aware of everyone proved that they could pay the rent but were refused due to not having enough financial back up.

"I raised these issues with the local management of the National Trust and pointed out that there was housing stress in the Glens area especially in villages like Cushendun which is controlled by the National Trust.

"Unless the policy of the National Trust changes many people born and raised in that village will be unable to access a home and will be forced out of the area."

(CD/JP)