A socially deprived part of south Belfast, the 'Village', has now been officially declared an 'Urban Renewal Area'.

This is a key step in unlocking a £100 million investment in the area as part of the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie's recently launched New Housing Agenda.

In welcoming the formal go-ahead from the NI Housing Executive, the Minister said: "When I visited the Village, I saw for myself just how poor some of the accommodation was and I was determined to something about it.

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"I am delighted that we have now reached this important milestone and the long awaited regeneration can now proceed.

"Over a period of years, £100 million will be invested in the Village and this will transform the area."

Ms Ritchie continued: "During the next 10 years, unfit housing in the Village area will either be demolished and replaced or retained and improved.

"It is a major undertaking. It is proposed to demolish some 580 unfit houses and replace them with around 270 new build.

"The remainder of the houses, some 730, will be significantly improved."

The regeneration of the stauntly loyalist Village - which has some of the most unfit housing in Northern Ireland - has been something local residents have campaigned for over a period of many years.

A firm outcome has now been achieved after there were numerous plans, consultations and appraisals undertaken.

(JM)