Plans by the British government to spend £1million on regenerating the loyalist side of a sectarian flashpoint area of east Belfast offer a new chapter for the district, it was claimed tonight.
Democratic Unionist Assembly member Robin Newton welcomed the announcement by Northern Ireland Office Social Development Minister David Hanson that £1m would be spent on demolishing derelict houses, road improvements and landscaping in the Madrid Street and Thistle Court area.
In recent years a security gate had to be erected following clashes between loyalists and republicans from the neighbouring Short Strand area.
It is hoped that the regeneration project will result in improvement to individual homes, with some residents having to move out on a temporary basis while the work takes place.
Mr Hanson announced: “These plans which have been drawn up by the Housing Executive after several years of research will transform the homes and living conditions for people in this area.
“Our aim is to bring about the sustainable regeneration of this area.
“Both communities have been fully consulted and have agreed with the proposals.
“When work has been completed the benefits will be evident to everyone.”
Mr Newton welcomed the minister's announcement.
“People in the area have in recent years been through a tough time,” the East Belfast MLA said.
“Hopefully this will bring about a new chapter in the neighbourhood.
“Hopefully it will result in young families and senior citizens returning to the area again.”
Reservations were, however, expressed tonight by local Sinn Fein representative Deborah Devenny.
“I can't help but feel that money such as this could be better spent,” she said.
“If you look at the Short Strand, there is a lack of basic facilities. There isn't a Post Office, for example and there is a housing shortage in this community which needs to be faced up to and addressed.”
PA