The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has urged rural tenants in Newry to join their local Housing Community Network - and make their voices heard.

District Manager Jim Bagnall said: "The Newry Housing Community Network (HCN) was formed in the 1990s as a mechanism for local residents to make their views known on the standards of service provided by the Newry Housing Executive.

"Over the years the input from the HCN has increased significantly and it has consistently helped us to improve our standards across all aspects of our work."

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Ten groups already contribute to the local network's regular meetings, but the NIHE said it would like to see more emerge, particularly those from rural areas.

NIHE said the meetings are an ideal vehicle for local participation in decisions which affect the everyday lives of tenants.

Last year NIHE revised its rural strategy and launched the Rural Homes and People policy.

The Executive is currently implementing a Rural Action Plan to address rural housing issues.

Rural Housing Co-Ordinator Michael Conway said: "I would encourage rural community groups to become involved in the Newry HCN.

"Through our Rural Action Plan we work with a range of statutory and voluntary groups to maximise opportunities for rural residents. Rural community groups need to have their voices heard and becoming members of the HCN is an ideal opportunity to do this."

(PR/JM)