The fire at a block of flats, forced 12 tenants to flee their homes. At the time of the fire the Minister reassured the residents that work would begin immediately to restore their homes and bring them back as soon as possible.
The Housing Executive immediately established an advice unit in the Community Centre and staff from the local Social Security Office, Down District Council and local charities offered practical support and assistance to help the residents in the aftermath of the fire. Since then many of the residents have been living in temporary accommodation whilst others made their own arrangements, some moving in with family and others to alternative permanent accommodation.
Margaret Ritchie in welcoming residents back to their newly renovated homes, said: "This is good news for local residents and I am pleased they have been able to move back to their homes. We have taken the opportunity, since last October, to not just repair their homes, but to update them and bring them right up to present day standards. I want to thank all those who responded so quickly last October to support the residents in their hour of need. The Housing Executive, District Council and Social Security Agency all came together to help these tenants who were forced to flee with literally only the clothes they were wearing. The community also played an active role in the aftermath of the fire and we have been able to deliver on my promise that residents would be able to return to their homes as quickly as possible."
The Minister was accompanied by Paddy McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, who said: “I am delighted that the refurbishment work has now been completed following the damage caused by the fire. The Housing Executive wishes to record its thanks and appreciation to our partner statutory agencies, local churches and voluntary groups, temporary housing providers, public representatives, our contractor and members of staff who all worked tirelessly to support the residents and to provide them with modern quality housing accommodation. We particularly appreciate the patience and understanding of the residents through what was a traumatic experience for them.”
Some of the work undertaken included a replacement roof to one section of the building, installation of new fire measures to meet current Building Control, refurbishment of all 12 flats including rewiring, new kitchens, fire doors and smoke alarms, installation of new windows and removal of defective PVC cladding alongside the creation of new external areas for each flat. The work is estimated to cost £250,000.
Notes to Editors:
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