Homes plan for former Downe site is excellent

SIR, — I was delighted to read in last week’s edition that work is to start soon redeveloping the old Downe Hospital site in Downpatrick.

The area has become something of a blot on the landscape since staff and patients relocated to the new hospital at Struell Wells Road in 2009.

Over 100 new homes are to be built at the old hospital site which will greatly assist the social and economic regeneration of a part of Downpatrick largely forgotten about over recent years.

What is pleasing about the redevelopment of the site is that the former hospital and canteen at the rear — the building which housed the old Downpatrick infirmary —will not be bulldozed and become an integral part of what appears to be a very imaginative housing development.

Congratulations to everyone associated with this much-needed housing scheme.

Yours etc,

PLEASED,

Downpatrick.

(name and address supplied).