Queries have been raised with the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) regarding the future of a former police station in east Belfast.

The Mountpottinger barracks was closed last month and remains in the ownership of the Policing Board.

However, Sinn Féin representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has contacted the NIHE to ascertain whether it has plans to purchase the site for social housing.

Mr Ó Donnghaile said: "The Short Strand community, including Sinn Féin, the Partnership Board, Saint Matthew's Housing Association and other local groups have been campaigning for the removal of this facility and it's replacement with the much needed, suitable, family homes for many years now.

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"With this in mind I have written to Housing Executive to find out if, at any stage, they have been in contact with the Policing Board in relation to purchasing the land vacated by the closure of the Barracks," he said.

"Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development, has set clear targets in relation to the development of social housing and I have no doubt that all stakeholders will view this land as an ideal opportunity to implement that policy in an area of such high demand."

(PR/KMcA)