Meeting planned to assist major estate

Meeting planned to assist major estate

1 March 2017

A MEETING is to be arranged to help address a number of issues raised by residents at the Flying Horse estate in Downpatrick.

The move follows a recent visit to the area by MP Margaret Ritchie and SDLP South Down Assembly election candidate Colin McGrath.

Miss Ritchie said over the past number of months she has been contacted by a number of residents highlighting the need for an external maintenance scheme at Housing Executive homes within the estate.

“Whilst there has been much financial investment in this estate, there now needs to be co-ordinated action to ensure money for the regeneration of the Flying Horse area is properly  targeted and results in better outcomes for residents,” said the MP.

“Along with Colin, I will be convening a meeting involving a number of agencies to look at what has been done in terms of investment of resources and regeneration of the estate. The meeting will look at how effective that investment has been and what now needs to be done.”

The MP said Flying Horse residents require ongoing solidarity, support, environmental and economic regeneration.

Mr McGrath said the Flying Horse area is a part of the district which has been “neglected” with green spaces covered in rubbish, footpaths and alleyways covered in moss and so-called shared spaces either burned or covered in graffiti.

“Margaret and I spoke with some residents who literally told us they fear leaving their houses. Yet, over the years, this place has had massive amounts of public money spent on it and this must be protected,” he declared.

“We will convene a special meeting of appropriate authorities and ask for updates on what work has been completed and what work can be undertaken in the future. I have no doubt those causing trouble in this area are a small group and the time for them to be challenged has long since passed. Action must now follow.”