Keenaught residents meet Housing Executive

They were accompanied by SDLP Councillor Gerry Mullan and the party's assembly member for East Derry John Dallat.

Following the meeting the politicians expressed satisfaction that many of the concerns shared by the residents have now been addressed and in future residents will be kept fully informed and involved in any future planned repairs or renovations.

Assurances were given by the housing manager Eddie Doherty that issues relating to health and safety including improvements to public lighting as well as the absence of fire escapes will be investigated.

Mr John Dallat gave a commitment to those present at the meeting that a meeting will be sought with the Minister for Social Development Alex Atwood to ensure that a heating scheme which had been planned does not become a victim of anticipated cuts in public spending.

Councillor Mullan said: 'This meeting has helped to clear up a number of issues which had caused concern to residents. I will be in touch with residents on a regular basis to ensure that the promises made by the Housing Executive are carried out. The upgrading of these flats has been on the long finger for too long leading to enormous heating bills which many people simply cannot afford."

He added: Fuel poverty is a serious issue for an increasing number of people in the borough and everything possible must be done to ensure that homes are heated economically and every effort is made to ensure that heat loss is kept to an absolute minimum.