Call for Executive to make decision on damaged flats

Call for Executive to make decision on damaged flats

20 April 2016

THE Housing Executive has been asked to spell out its plans for a number of properties at the Bracken Avenue area in Newcastle which were badly damaged in an arson attack last November.

South Down MLA Sean Rogers is urging housing officials to make an urgent decision on what it intends to do with the complex where a number of properties are boarded up and councillor Willie Clarke highlighted the need to repair the damaged homes as soon as possible.

Mr Rogers said there are increasing fears the damaged properties could pose a health and safety threat to young people in the area or attract anti-social behaviour.

The MLA continued: “The feedback my constituency office in Newcastle has received from people living in the area is that if there is to be any redevelopment carried out, those plans should not include flats. That type of development is not one residents are in favour of continuing with and those views must be respected.”

Mr Rogers also warned what he described as “internal politics” within the Housing Executive should not be used as a reason to delay delivery of its responsibilities to the Newcastle community. He said it is his understanding there is a continuing debate within the organisation over which sector of the Executive budget should pay for any rebuilding project at Bracken Avenue.

“Whatever the reasons, it is totally unacceptable for the situation to have been left unresolved for six months. 

Councillor Clarke said he understands the contract to redevelop the damaged homes is at the tender stage, highlighting the need for this process to be completed as quickly as possible. He said while he appreciates the Housing Executive has complex issues to deal with in relation to the new build, residents are frustrated a “fire damaged shell” has created a blight on the entire community.

“This work cannot be carried out in isolation. The safety of the communal areas at the flats in Bracken Avenue and the security of the new tenants has to be paramount.”

He said the rebuild and design of the communal area to the rear of the flats at Bracken Avenue, particularly from a safety aspect, “has to be got right to prevent further arson attacks.”

Councillor Clarke added: “We were extremely fortunate no one lost their life following previous arson attacks. The Housing Executive is meeting this week to agree the safety measures that will be installed in the flats. This is essential to ensure the safety of the new tenants who will allocated accommodation.”

An Executive spokeswoman confirmed it intends to reinstate the properties at Bracken Avenue with the necessary tender process to appoint a consultant to take these plans forward having just been completed. She said consultant will be appointed shortly. 

“We are working with the PSNI, taking advice from the Crime Prevention Unit on improvements which could be made. We will, of course, keep our tenants and community representatives informed of developments,” the spokeswoman added.