A revolutionary new housing extension has been delivered to a Housing Executive tenant in the Ward Avenue area of Lisburn.

Rose Beattie, who is unable to use her upstairs bathroom and bedroom, took delivery of a 'Pod' - a pre-built room that attaches on to the rear of an existing house.

Mrs Beattie said: "I am really glad to have this extension. I have problems with my hips and knee which has made it very difficult to climb the stairs. Having a bathroom and bedroom downstairs will help me enormously and I thank the Housing Executive for making all the arrangements."

The 'Pod' - which in this case is a bedroom and fully equipped bathroom with a shower, wash hand basin and toilet - was delivered by lorry and lowered into position by crane. It was attached to the rear of Mrs Beattie's house less than an hour after its arrival.

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Project Architect Mary McKeown said: "Last year we installed a Pod in the Hillhall area of Lisburn and, to date, ten units have been delivered to homes throughout Northern Ireland. The Pods are home grown.

"Two local manufacturers, Western Building Systems and the McAvoy Group are working with the Housing Executive to deliver eleven more throughout Northern Ireland."

The Pod can be either a bathroom or a bedroom and bathroom, and is made in the factory. While the Pod is being made the contractor prepares the site.

It is then connected to the home and in a few days it looks as if it had always been there.

"Another key factor is the speed and ease with which it can be installed," said Ms McKeown.

"This is important as we are trying to provide these facilities for elderly tenants and tenants with disabilities.

"We want to make the installation process as non-invasive as possible and ensure the tenant’s independence and dignity is maintained with the least amount of disruption to their lives," she added.

(PR/JM)