A £1 million improvement scheme to improve social housing in Holywood, County Down, has been launched by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Already, a number of bedsits in Strand Avenue have been converted into modern housing, and work is continuing to refurbish other properties in the area.

Eamon Shannon has recently taken up the tenancy of one of the new flats, and is delighted with his new home.

He said: "My new home is really lovely. I previously lived in a bedsit and I now have a modern bathroom and kitchen. I very much appreciate the work that has been done by the Housing Executive."

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Robert Mahaffy, the Housing Executive's Manager in North Down, is pleased with the progress of this scheme.

Mr Mahaffy said: "The original flats and bedsits were built in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of the Holywood town centre regeneration.

"This scheme is taking place adjacent to the flats and maisonettes in High Street that were completely refurbished some years ago.

"The improvements in Strand Avenue will continue the regeneration of this area and will help to make it a much sought after and desirable part of Holywood in which to live," explained Mr Mahaffy.

"The Housing Executive is committed to ensuring that tenants' homes meet modern living standards which, in turn, help to strengthen local communities," he added.

(PR/JM)