NI Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has added her voice to calls for much-needed new housing in Ballyhornan, Co Down.

The area has long been in the shadow of the local military base, but the construction of a new Family Centre has renewed interest from people wanting to live there.

Visiting the area accompanied by the local MP Eddie McGrady and members of the Ballyhornan Community Association, Margaret Ritchie said: "I appreciate that there are many problems at Ballyhornan that need to be sorted out before we can move forward with a housing solution.

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"There are infrastructure issues regarding roads, water and sewerage. But I want to start the ball rolling and that is why I am pleased to announce our plans to identify the housing need in the area.

"True, on the basis of the current waiting list figures need has not been established. However, the NI Housing Executive is due to meet local representatives early next month to discuss arrangements for carrying out the ‘latent demand’ test which will be held in November.

"This test will help to identify the housing demand in Ballyhornan."

The Minister concluded her visit by encouraging anyone with an interest in moving back into the area to register that interest with the NI Housing Executive once the test gets formally underway.

(PR)