The Alliance Party is calling for a meeting with the Regional Development Minister after the suspended sale of Cairn Wood in North Down.

Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir welcomed the news and said he was "delighted" the sale of Ballysallagh Upper reservoir and the adjacent land at Cairn Wood forest had been put on hold.

He said: "At the beginning of this campaign, those who wanted to prevent the sale of Cairn Wood Forest and the surrounding land said we would not just stand by and allow it to take place. I am delighted the Minister has finally listened, taken on-board the views of the thousands of people who signed the petition and made this decision, despite her initially informing us she could do nothing about the issue.

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"Coming a few hours after I met with her to discuss the issue, I want to say thank you to everyone who got involved and helped make this campaign one she had to option but to listen to.

"The campaign is however not over. We now need the option of a sale to the highest bidder to be permanently removed, full details on proposed transfer to Forest Service and the area kept in its natural tranquil state."

(CD/LM)