A UUP candidate is pledging to further help with the regeneration of the Holyland area by developing Northern Ireland's first Community Improvement District.
The party's South Belfast candidate, Stephen McCarthy, met with residents in the Holyland area this week to discuss the development of a group to provide a voice for the community including residents, students, landlords, businesses and universities.
It will use relevant aspects of the Business Improvement District model to bring together all those involved in life in the area.
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Mr McCarthy is hoping to introduce legislation after the May election to help empower the community in their regeneration of the Holyland.
He said: “The Holyland is an area that is close to home. My parents lived here for years, facing regular anti-social behaviour, sleepless nights, damage to property, theft.
“It is an area with significant problems, but also an area with huge potential, and so far, despite the best efforts of a very active, tenacious community group, it simply isn’t getting the support it needs and deserves.
“I welcome the recent announcement from Minister Hargey of additional resources. I know the community appreciates it. What I am proposing for the area builds on that and further empowers the community.
Describing how the proposed legislation would work, Mr McCarthy continued: “This legislation will encompass fitness of rental accommodation, governance of rental properties in the area, both individual lets and houses of multiple occupancy.”
“It will create a body that will lead the regeneration and enhancement of the area, providing a voice for the community, for students, for landlords, for businesses, and the universities.
“I have consulted with the community and both universities, and they are all supportive of exploring this exciting opportunity to bring a new approach to community development, in an area that has been neglected for a long time.
Speaking after the meeting, College Park Avenue Residents Association member Brid Ruddy said: "Good meeting today with Stephen Mc Carthy UUP candidate in forthcoming May Assembly election.
"We welcome his positive support and invite all other candidates to pledge their support also for our Holyland regeneration efforts."
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