Community gets a heads-up on housing schemes

Attending Combined Facilities Management’s Community Information day in The Adair Arms, Ballymena were Gerard McHugh, Housing Executive Schemes Liaison Officer, Councillor Rodney Quigley and Rodney Kerr, CFM Project Manager. They are joined by members of local community groups and CFM staff.
Attending Combined Facilities Management’s Community Information day in The Adair Arms, Ballymena were Gerard McHugh, Housing Executive Schemes Liaison Officer, Councillor Rodney Quigley and Rodney Kerr, CFM Project Manager. They are joined by members of local community groups and CFM staff.

Local Housing Executive tenants received an insight into plans for housing upgrade schemes in the Ballymena area at an information day delivered by contractors Combined Facilities Management.

Guests were informed about the comprehensive work planned in the Harryville and Ballykeel areas of the town at an event held in partnership with the Carson Project.

Upgrade work to roofs, chimneys, external walls, fencing, paths, stores and communal areas are being surveyed, with specific works taking place to each property in the scheme.

Representatives from Combined Facilities Management and the Housing Executive attended to provide detailed explanations on the project and the positive impact it is expected to have locally.

A question and answer session was also held.

Contractors then facilitated a site visit, providing residents with a first-hand view of work proposed in their area. 

The event closed with a raffle funded by Combined Facilities Management, where tenants won vouchers and hampers. 

Rodney Kerr, Project Manager at Combined Facilities Management said; “We were delighted with the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by the Ballymena residents during our Community Information Day.

"We provided the local community groups with information on who we are, what we do and what work we are completing in the local areas of Harryville and Ballykeel.

“It allowed us to directly engage with the community, addressing any concerns, and outlining the benefits these external maintenance works will bring to their living environment. 

“Our contract aims to enhance the overall quality and longevity of housing infrastructure in the area, ensuring safer, more resilient, and aesthetically pleasing residences for the tenants. 

“Tenants were also informed of social commitments as part of this contract. 

“Comprehensive efforts to date on this contract reflect both Combined Facilities Management and the Housing Executives commitment to providing improved living conditions while fostering a sense of pride and ownership within the community.”

Roy McClean, Housing Executive Assistant Area Manager, Mid and East Antrim said, “We continue to engage with our tenants about what type of planned scheme work will be carried out, how long it is likely to last and what they can expect from us.

“Consulting with our tenants is a vital part of our scheme delivery process and those affected by scheme activity should be fully aware of, and in agreement with, detailed proposals, how they will be implemented and the implications of these. 

“Consultation for the majority of schemes is contractor led and we are delighted that Combined Facilities Management and our staff worked collaboratively towards the success of this Community Information Day.”