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Orange and Unionist representatives in the Upper Ardoyne
area have expressed concern over plans for re-development
in the Glenbryn estate, the last Protestant enclave in Ardoyne.
The Unionists are worried that re-development schemes which
will mean 160 houses being demolished could result in just
20 houses being re-built, and much of the land presently containing
houses being turned into open spaces.
Councillor Fred Cobain has already expressed his personal
concern, and he has urged the Housing Executive to ensure
that a large proportion of the present housing is put back
into Glenbryn.
Unionsist are not opposed to improved housing for the people,
but they fear that unless the Housing Executive puts new housing
back quickly, many families will be re-settled elsewhere and
will be reluctant to return to Glenbryn.
Councillor Cobain also wants to see a housing mix in the
revamped estate - a mix in the type of houses in order to
attract both young married couples and senior citizens. This
would be a great means of achieving stability in the area.
A Housing Executive spokesman confirmed that work will start
in the autumn on the first phase of the re-development, and
he said some 50 houses will be demolished with 35 put back.
He said it was hoped there would be the same housing put back
in the later phases, and he stressed the important part that
private housing could play in the scheme.
"There is not the same level of need for rented public
housing, but there is evidence of a demand for private housing
and we would hope this is proved in Glenbryn," he said.
Orange and Unionist representatives have appealed to former
residents of Glenbryn to apply for new houses in the estate
and help prove there is a need for more housing in North Belfast
for Protestants.
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