Plans afoot for 'future-proofed social housing for tenants'
with two blocks of maisonettes to be demolished
One of the most significant housing challenges across the borough is supply, or lack thereof. With demand high for social housing, the Housing Executive simply cannot keep up. As a result, many people are left waiting for extended periods for suitable accommodation, often in overcrowded and unsuitable conditions.
The Housing Executive is responsible for providing social housing to those who need it and while they have undoubtedly made significant progress in providing affordable, safe, and secure housing, does it still face challenges that impact its ability to deliver the best possible service to tenants?
One major problem the Housing Executive faces is a lack of funding. As a result, the Housing Executive often struggles to keep up with the maintenance and repair needs of its properties, leading to further problems and frustrations for tenants.
Related: Derelict Craigavon complex a ‘monstrosity’ that needs demolished for new housing
Such was the case for one Armagh tenant who slammed the Housing Executive for his ‘ice-box’ home when his gas bill hit £400 in seven weeks.
So what about vacant properties? Armagh I asked the Housing Executive for comment.
“We care for around 84,000 properties across Northern Ireland and in the last year only 0.71% of our properties were void over this period and this will be for a variety of reasons.
Void properties are used as temporary accommodation for those benefiting from home improvement schemes, or they may be being readied for adaptations to be completed.
Planned improvement schemes and adaptations often necessitate the temporary removal of tenants and other properties may be pending sale. This is the case with four properties in the ABC Council area and a small number of other void properties are vacant due to the reasons given above.
Additionally, we have two blocks of maisonettes which will soon be tendered for demolition, one of which is Chestnut Place Banbridge and one other location. We hope this site will be used for modern social housing which will provide warm, comfortable and future-proofed social housing for tenants.
Any other void properties are currently undergoing repairs in preparation for new occupants - most of these have already been offered and accepted by potential tenants.”
So what now? Following a lengthy dispute over pay, Chief Executive Grainia Long announced a new pay offer for staff had been accepted by both NIPSA and UNITE trades union members at the end of March - so will this bring about a turning point for the organisation?
Commenting Ms Long said: “This also now brings an end to UNITE’s industrial action and allows us to recommence a number of critical services in the interests of our tenants and customers.” The full details of the pay increase can be found here.
Headlines
Three lifeguards deny charges relating to death of swimmer at Armagh Leisure Centre
R-driver who killed pedestrian and seriously injured her sister avoids prison
Noel Hanna: Heartbroken wife makes journey to Kathmandu to bring home body of ‘mountain man’
Cigarettes and alcohol seized in Dungannon operation
Boy (16) among three arrested following armed robbery at Banbridge filling station
Armagh sex offender who made off without paying for fuel walks free from court
Co Armagh man who stabbed taxi driver to death back in court accused of assaulting mother
A Co Armagh woman today admitted defrauding her employers of more than £62,000.
Substantial amount of money stolen in Keady burglary
Judge slams man for ‘grossly unfair’ abuse hurled at Craigavon Hospital staff
Ticket Giveaway
Congratulations to Faye Aiken, you are the winner of this week’s cinema ticket giveaway - winning yourself a pair of tickets, compliments of Omniplex Cinemas. Please contact our office on 02837 443 043 to arrange collection.
Remember you can enter every week by clicking here
Another great giveaway for you! The PM Big Band are excited to be back in the Marketplace Theatre, Armagh on Saturday, May 13, 2023, kicking off their 20th Anniversary celebratory Swing into Summer Tour. We have teamed up to give away a pair of tickets to the concert. Click here to enter! Listen to the band below!
Look Back
In 1974, owing to an evident need for additional services, a group of benevolent men formed Crossmaglen Volunteer Fire Service.
Unbeknownst to the volunteers in 1974, they would end up battling more than just fires. According to a report in January 1987 by The Slieve Gullion View, the group had spent 13 years since their formation battling the N.I. Fire Authority for retention.
The article highlighted the struggles of a volunteer force that largely go unseen by the public.
Not only did Crossmaglen Volunteer Fire Service make mobile ‘inadequate and inoperative’ fire-fighting equipment in their first year of service, they also made constant requests to N.I. Fire Authority for improved equipment eventually receiving their first fire engine ‘The Green Goddess’ in 1977 and essential breathing apparatus in 1983 (not before three men were hospitalised due to poisonous fume inhalation on scene).
Their gripe seemed a fair one. The men were all qualified to the same standard as other retained firemen, they simply requested operational and essential equipment and when no premises was provided to them, they banded together and built their own.
The reward of granted retained status in 1987 was well deserved, but hard fought, given that all these men wanted was the secured continuance of a potentially life-saving service.
Previous issues
A weekend of heartbreak on our roads
Decreasing crime but no thanks to time wasters..
NIHE needs get their points system sorted before they start building anything other wise the wrong people will continue to get them!! It's absolutely appalling and should be ashamed of themselves...
Stop fat cat housing associations such as Radius Housing Assn taking all of the money and doing nothing. Give it to the Housing Executive instead.