Housing Executive tenants’ issues discussed

Mrs Dobson met with Aengus Hannaway, District Manager for Banbridge and Armagh, Judith Livingstone, Assistant District Manager and Drew McMath, District Maintenance Manager.

Following the meeting Mrs Dobson said, “I maintain regular contact with the Housing Executive on a considerable number of issues which have been brought to my attention by local people through my office.

“I was also updated on the delivery of the District Housing Plan which aims to improve the local housing stock, provide greater support for people who want to live independently and build stronger communities.

“These are challenging targets which I will be monitoring carefully to ensure effective delivery for residents.”

Contrary to Mrs Dobson’s concerns that changes to the delivery of double glazing programmes may affect Housing Executive tenants, particularly older people in the run-up to winter, a spokesman for the Department of Social Development said no local tenants will be affected.

“In relation to Banbridge, the Housing Executive has advised that no window scheme for Banbridge has been cancelled. There is one window scheme programmed for Banbridge this year which was always programmed to start in the second half of 2012.”

Mrs Dobson said she will be keeping in contact with the Housing Executive.

“Officials have agreed to update me further on the planned double glazing of local houses and also the issue of the replacement of central heating systems within their housing stock,” she said.

“I would like to thank Housing Executive staff for their on-going assistance with the issues which affect local tenants in Banbridge and look forward to receiving briefings such as this on a regular basis.”