Vacant property concern
THE Housing Executive must re-double their efforts in serving the public with concern expressed about the number of local vacant properties.
Local Assembly Member George Savage said: "I am deeply concerned that in response to an Assembly Question to the Minister for Social Development, I am informed that as of December 31, 2009 there were 54 vacant dwellings in Banbridge, 109 in Lurgan and 26 in Portadown, which equates to 189 properties across the Upper Bann Constituency.
"I accept that building work and repairs may need to be done. However, in light of the current waiting list, you would expect that the Housing Exective promptly deal with these matters in order to alleviate the high numbers on the Waiting List.
"I trust that the Housing Executive will re-double their efforts and get these properties back in to order and availability as quickly as possible."