An informational event to discuss the need for social and affordable housing in Trillick, Co Tyrone is to take place later this month.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) said following a recent meeting with various key stakeholders, the issue of housing provision in the area was discussed and a rural housing need survey will now be carried out.

The survey will seek to encourage those in need of a home in the area to come forward and register an interest with NIHE. If demand is identified, the available options for social/affordable new build will be considered and discussed with the local community.

NIHE said the event is open to local residents as well as to anyone from neighbouring settlements who would consider living in Trillick if housing was available.

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The event will take place in Trillick Leisure Centre between 6pm – 8pm on Wednesday, 24 January.

NIHE's South West Area Manager Oonagh McAvinney said: "We are greatly encouraged already by the community support in the possible development of housing being built in Trillick. Our local office has received contact from people interested in the development of affordable housing in the area.

"As people feel the area is suitable to start or grow families in Trillick, we have a statutory obligation to determine if the provision of new housing is viable for the area. We hope the rural housing need survey will discover any potential hidden need within the local rural community for new housing to be built.

"There will be local Housing Executive staff available to answer questions around grants provisions and local housing matters at the event as well. We look forward to welcoming everyone interested in discussing the need for more housing in Trillick."

Aidan Bunting from the Omagh Forum for Rural Associations added it had been 20 years since social housing was developed in the area.

"The local community feels it is time to explore the possibility of new housing in Trillick," he said.

"We are delighted the Housing Executive will be carrying out the rural housing need survey to allow people the opportunity to discuss what they would like in housing provision for the area."

(LM/MH)