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Newry City Councillor Michael Savage has welcomed a commitment from Habinteg Housing Association to facilitate a site meeting with the residents of Stony Hill in Carnegat in the city.
It comes after Cllr Savage and Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty were approached by several tenants concerned about several issues on the estate.
Cllr Savage said: “I was recently contacted by residents of Stony Hill who explained a number of issues they are currently facing within the boundaries of this relatively new complex. The main issue being the large area of land that lies between the two elevated levels of Stony Hill.
“Upon the completion of construction and subsequent letting of all 48 properties to tenants, an area of land located between the row of homes and apartment blocks has remained vacant with no construction works commencing on it. This space should serve as open green space for the development.”
“Since then, temporary construction-style metal fencing has been erected around the perimeter. Despite the temporary fencing, the land has since turned into an overgrown wasteland and individuals have also been fly tipping items such as old mattresses and tyres."
Cllr Savage explained that residents had expressed their hopes and aspirations to him for how they imagine this land could be used as an open green space if it is not going to be developed for housing. Several ideas were proposed such as the creation of additional car parking spaces with much of the remainder hosting suitable species of native trees and flower beds whilst providing a safe area for children to play outdoors.
Cllr Savage continued “Other issues were also brought to my attention such as window cleaning, littering, dog fouling and grass cutting. The SDLP through Justin McNulty MLA wrote to Habinteg’s Chief Executive to request an urgent site meeting and I welcome their commitment to meet with residents and myself as their elected representative this week.
“The SDLP have a long history of relentlessly working to secure social and affordable in Newry and Armagh, whilst the recent development of several major projects is a positive step in addressing our chronic levels of homelessness, it is vital that tenants receive a first-class service of maintenance and care from the day they and their families move in.”
