Fifty new Newtownabbey homes have been unveiled by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie.

The £8m development has delivered, what the minister described as, a 'significant' boost to social housing in the area.

Longlands offers 50 new family homes on the site of a former textile factory.

Developed by Oaklee Housing Association, on behalf of the Department for Social Development, the homes are a 'magnificent achievement', according to Ms Ritchie.

She said: "The delivery of 50 new, high quality, energy efficient, social houses on one site is a magnificent achievement. A former textile factory site has been brought back to life and transformed into a vibrant community where people want to live.

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"The New Housing Agenda sets out challenging targets for the delivery of social housing. This development is a major contribution in an area of high housing need. I have seen for myself the difference that housing can make to peoples lives and that is why I am more resolved than ever to deliver more of the same in future."

The event also marked the third anniversary of the Oaklee Services Centre, a first point of contact for tenants.

Minister Ritchie commended Oaklee Housing Association for "putting service to tenants right at the very heart of its social housing agenda".

Minister Ritchie presented resident Trea McAllister with a bouquet of flowers to celebrate her making call number 80,000 to the Services Centre.

(PR/JM)