Over 50 vacant properties in Lisburn are set to be refurbished into new social and affordable homes.

The Department for Communities (DfC) has handed the keys of the 59 former Ministry of Defence (MOD) homes to Clanmil Housing Association for the work.

When complete, the properties at Mountview Drive and Skyline Drive will comprise 30 social homes and 29 affordable homes.

Tracy Meharg, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities said: "Reducing housing stress and increasing the level of housing supply across Northern Ireland are key objectives for the Department for Communities.

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"The Department has been working for some time to ensure this transfer is made so that these homes can be brought back into use for the benefit of the community. 

"The use of former MOD homes like this, is an excellent example of how former public sector assets can help tackle disadvantage and dereliction and improve the quality of life for people of all ages who live in this area."

Clare McCarty, Group Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing, added: "We have been working closely for some time now with the Department for Communities to progress the transfer of these vacant properties. We're delighted to finally be in a position to start the refurbishment work that will bring them back to life as much needed, high quality, affordable family homes.

"We've previously refurbished 36 houses in Mountview Drive so we know they make fantastic family homes and we're really looking forward to seeing more families moving in and making these homes their own."

(CM)