Stormont Minister visits Ballynahinch

Stormont Minister visits Ballynahinch

4 January 2012

STORMONT Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland paid a pre-Christmas visit to the Langley Road estate in Ballynahinch.

He was in the market town to hear about a major new scheme to fit double-glazed windows to Housing Executive properties across the estate.

The Stormont Executive recently unveiled plans within the so-called Programme for Government to fit double glazing to all Executive homes across the Province.

It’s understood that an initial 70 homes are to be fitted with new windows at the Langley estate where just over 150 homes don’t currently have double glazing.

During the recent visit, Mr. McCausland met with resident Mrs. Grace Russell whose Sandra Park home is among those due to have double glazing fitted as part of a major investment by the Executive.

The work is due to get underway in the spring and has been welcomed by Mrs. Russell and other residents who have had to put up with harsh conditions over the winter months as current wooden framed windows let in cold air.

The Ballynahinch pensioner informed Mr. McCausland during his visit that the harsh winter of December 2010 saw ice form on the inside of the windows in her home.

Mrs. Russell said she’s delighted new windows are to be fitted and says it will make life more bearable during the winter for her and many of her neighbours.

“During the winter months I have to put a run around in my living room because it gets so cold,” she explained.

“Draughts come in through the windows and the back door. During the heavy snow and ice in December 2010 ice formed on the inside of the upstairs bedroom windows. That’s how cold it was.”

During his visit to Langley Road, Mr. McCausland was joined by Strangford MP Jim Shannon, Mr. Simon Hamilton MLA and senior Housing Executive officials Mr. Stephen Graham and Mr. Aidan Brannigan.

Mr. Shannon said he’s pleased new double glazing is to be fitted to Executive properties at the Langley estate.

He added: “Residents have had to put up with intolerable conditions during particularly cold weather and they are looking forward to having warmer homes in future, especially over the winter.

“It was clear to see the severe problems that single glazed windows and wooden frames created at homes at Langley Road and indeed across the region with numerous residents living in homes with ice forming on the insides of the windows. This was unacceptable and was affecting people’s health.”

Mr. Shannon said a survey will be carried out this month at the Langley Road to determine houses that need double glazing, with work on the replacement scheme scheduled for March or April.