Plans announced for maintenance projects in Rathcoole

A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said: “We have a number of ongoing and planned investment projects for the Rathcoole area. These include one for roofing on our properties at Green End and Ardmillan Drive and an external maintenance project at Abbey Glen which also includes the low-rise flats at Green End. The external maintenance scheme will see the current wooden double glazed windows which are considered to have reached the end of their use life replaced with uPVC.

“In order to obtain best value for money we propose combining the two projects into one scheme. We are working towards this and when the tendering process is complete and a contractor appointed we will be in a better position to advise of a start date for this work.

“Our team in the local office will, of course, keep our tenants informed of progress.”

Despite NIHE assurances that it is progressing improvement works in the estate, North Belfast MLA Paula Bradley has expressed disappointment at what she sees as “further delays” to the schemes at Green End.

She said: “Residents have asked us to pursue the issue of these further delays with the Housing Executive and we will be meeting with the Director of Asset Management in the coming days.

“Having visited several residents in Green End I am acutely aware of how urgently these improvement schemes are required.”