Residents are being asked to offer their views on demand for social and affordable housing in Newtownbutler and the surrounding area as part of a new research project.

The Housing Executive and the Rural Housing Association are collaborating on the project, with a information event scheduled at Newtownbutler Community Centre on Monday 20 February from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. This event will give people the opportunity to talk about tenancies and housing options, and register their interest in social and affordable housing in the area.  

Anyone who wishes to register an interest for a home in the locality can also call the Housing Executive on 028 9598 2502 or the local office on 03448 920 900, email [email protected] or visit www.nihe.gov.uk. 

Housing Executive Rural and Regeneration Manager Tim Gilpin said: "This Rural Housing Needs Test gives an opportunity for people in the Newtownbutler area to be consulted about their housing needs and to get advice on housing options.

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"If we find there is demand for new homes, then we can engage with a housing association to examine the potential for a new-build scheme in the area.

"Quite often, especially when we have very few social homes in an area, people don't see the value of coming forward to put their name on the waiting list. 

"But we use the local waiting list to determine housing need and to support housing associations in developing new homes, so it's vitally important that people tell us there is a demand." 

Helen Hicks, the Housing Executive's Area Manager for Fermanagh and Omagh, commented: "This exercise will help us to determine the need for new housing in this area and I'd encourage interested local residents to come along and make their views known.

"While the Rural and Regeneration Unit examines the potential for new housing, you will still be considered for any housing that might become available in your areas of choice if you are already registered with us or a housing association."

Ruth Buchanan, Business Development Director, Rural Housing Association, added: "Rural needs tests are vital to sustaining the life of rural towns and villages and uncovering hidden need for housing in rural communities.

"As part of our ongoing commitment to developing more social housing in rural communities we are delighted to support the Housing Executive with this test in the Newtownbutler."