Flatten derelict flats say residents

The residents' association has been campaigning to have the block of flats demolished and in its place a new build of town houses.

It's thought a plan is being considered with a housing association keen to build on the land.

Chair of the residents' association, Louis Sayers said the demolition would help further the good work of the association.

He went on: "Flats are a magnet for anti-social and criminal behaviour

"In years gone by they were used by drug dealers and criminals, but that was in the past and we have moved on now.

"They are the last blight on the estate and their removal would help further the good work we have been doing to rid the estate of criminal elements.

"There is no demand for flats, they can work elsewhere but not in Westacres.

"Flats attract single people with criminal backgrounds and we do not want them back here in Westacres.

"The plans for a new build of town houses will help attract more families to the area and create a safer community."

Local MLA John O'Dowd has called on Margaret Ritchie to authorise the demolition of the flats.

He said: "The Westacres estate has had a difficult past history but through the hard work and commitment of local residents the area has turned the corner and is now an estate both residents and the Housing Executive can be proud of.

“The remaining blight in the area is an the empty block of flats which serves no purpose other than to remind everyone of the bad days which blighted the area.

"It is my understanding that the Housing Executive Board have been considering for some time a proposal for demolition, I also understand that a housing association is keen to build family style accommodation on the site.

"I would encourage more people to sign up for housing in our area and show there is a demand for family homes."

Concluding Mr O’ Dowd said: “I would call on Margaret Ritchie to make the decision and allow demolition of the empty flats so that the housing association can rebuild on the site.

"The residents of Westacres made a commitment to their area and brought it back from the brink.

"The minister should show her commitment to helping them complete the job by ordering the removal of the last blight within the area.”

A spokeswoman for the Department for Social Development said: "The flats in question are in fact owned by South Ulster Housing Association and not the Housing Executive.

"The Housing Executive is therefore unaware of any plans by that Housing Association to demolish the flats in question.

"In respect of putting back new family housing in the estate, current projections would not support the need for any new social housing in the estate or surrounding community although this is kept under constant review."