SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has welcomed news that 12 social and affordable homes are to be built in the Curran Street/Obin Street of Portadown.

The SDLP social development spokesperson said Oaklee Homes have completed the purchase of the Curran St/Obin Street site and have appointed Cunningham Contracts Ltd as the builder to carry out the construction of the scheme.

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Ms Kelly stressed the need for social housing and affordable homes in the area, and believes the housing project will be a boost for re-development of the area.

Ms Kelly said: "The first phase will have seven two-bedroom homes and five three-bedroom homes. I understand completion and handover of these will take place by June next year. Six of the houses will be social housing and six homes will be affordable housing.

"The site was identified for housing through the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership. My colleague, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie announced the intention to regenerate and develop the site in 2008 when she was Social Development minister, and used her powers to have the land vested for housing."

(CD/JP)