A call for action on flats issues

Lagan Valley MLA Brenda Hale has continued to press for action to be taken to address the current state of the Dales and Moynes Flats at Seymour Hill.
Brenda Hale MLA with Councillor Margaret Tolerton, and Treasurer of The Dales Community Association, Mr Ian Campkin & Secretary, Mrs Barbara Horner. INUS flatsBrenda Hale MLA with Councillor Margaret Tolerton, and Treasurer of The Dales Community Association, Mr Ian Campkin & Secretary, Mrs Barbara Horner. INUS flats
Brenda Hale MLA with Councillor Margaret Tolerton, and Treasurer of The Dales Community Association, Mr Ian Campkin & Secretary, Mrs Barbara Horner. INUS flats

Mrs Hale previously met with the Manager of Lisburn District Housing Executive and also with the former DSD Minister Lord Morrow and has now Brenda raised the on-going issues with the new Minister for Communities, Paul Givan.

Residents have been lobbying since 2005 for improvements to the flats and while there have been repairs to communal lifts, the issues of chronic condensation and damp continue to be a serious concern.

Mrs Hale commented, “I met with the former DSD Minister Lord Morrow MLA during the last Assembly term and I also met with Mr Aengus Hannaway, Lisburn District Housing Executive Manager, in recent months.

Mr Hannaway agreed to an assessment of the flats for damp and condensation and it was agreed that those found most in need were to be offered a de-humidifier, with the NIHE to help with the running cost.

The NIHE also carried out a consultation and residents were urged to complete a questionnaire, so that informed decisions could be taken going forward.

Since my re-election to the Northern Ireland Assembly in May 2016, I have continued to lobby the newly appointed Minister for Communities, Paul Givan and I look forward to working with him. I welcome news that a planned maintenance scheme to complete repairs to the balconies in three blocks at the Dales, is to commence in September .

The Housing Executive have also carried out dry lining to external walls and ceilings in flats on the top floors in response to issues with condensation and dampness.

A ‘Tower Block Strategy’ has also been developed by the Housing Executive to determine the long term future of its tower blocks and the Dales and Moynes option appraisals are now underway.

“The Housing Executive plans to have the full appraisal programme completed by the end of this year.

“Local residents can be assured that I will continue to press the Communities Minister for priority to be given for the urgent repairs that are required to bring these flats up to an acceptable standard of habitation.”

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