One hundred and twelve former Ministry of Defence (MoD) homes are to be converted into social housing, Stormont Minister Margaret Ritchie has announced.

The homes - located in Pond Park, Lisburn - will provide much needed homes for over 100 families facing so-called 'housing stress'.

Minister Ritchie said: "There are currently 2,578 people on the waiting list for social housing in Lisburn, 1,587 of them in Housing Stress. These former MoD homes are in very good condition and can be quickly converted to bring them up to social housing standards.

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"I am delighted that agreement has now been reached with Defence Estates to purchase these homes, particularly given the acute need for housing in Lisburn."

The minister said she would leave 'no stone unturned' to see through her New Housing Agenda.

Oaklee Housing Association has been appointed to take ownership of the 112, three bedroom, semi-detached family homes which will start to be allocated from April this year once minor repairs and renovations have been completed.

Within the development, capacity exists to build up to another 15 family homes and this will provide a further boost for those in housing stress in Lisburn.

(PR/JM)