15 derelict houses set for major refurbishment

Pictured looking at plans in Ballysally are from left; Chris Campbell, Dixon Contractors, Lexie Hynds, Building Ballysally Together chairman, Ann Smyth, Building Ballysally Together vice-chairman, and Matthew McLaughlin, project manager. INCR18-332PL

Mr Campbell is pictured here on the Coleraine estate with Matthew McLaughlin (on the right), Project Manager Choice Ireland Housing Association along with representatives of Supporting Communities NI.

Mr Campbell had asked Ministerial questions about improving a number of derelict houses on the estate and expressed satisfaction that much progress had been made.

He revealed that it was hoped the scheme will be completed in October of this year.

Speaking of the project Mr Campbell told The Coleraine Times: “With the contractor appointed and on site, I am pleased that work is commencing on the second phase of refurbishing the vacant properties in Ballysally.

“I have been pressing for this work over a number of years.

“In 2013 the previous Housing Minister assured me in an NI Assembly Question that he wanted to see the vacant housing properties refurbished as a matter of priority, given the fact that they had remained in a derelict state for many years.

“The first tenwere completed in 2014 and I am pleased that the current Minister Mervyn Storey MLA had advised me that the contract for the final 15 homes would be awarded by the end of March, with an anticipated completion date of October this year.”

Mr Campbell said the scheme benefited the area as a whole.

“I am pleased that the final phase of refurbishment of another 15 properties - 5 at Mossvale Park and 10 at Glenvara Drive in Ballysally has commenced..

“This is good news for the area.

“It will remove the dereliction, provide 15 new homes and continue the improvement that has come about there in recent years. “

“It will help to regenerate the area along with the other positive programmes that are undertaken within, and by, the local community.”