Triangle Housing to take over old Kells police station

Mr Swann, who is also North Antrim UUP Chairman, said: “The closure of Kells Police Station was a great loss to the villages of Kells and Connor, but when it was announced, the Kells and Connor Community Improvement Association immediately began to look for alternative uses for the site.

“Our main aim at that time was the establishment of sheltered or supported housing for the villages. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in achieving this despite helping village residents completing Housing Executive applications.

“I, therefore, warmly welcome the announcement that the site has been obtained by Triangle Housing, which has currently a planning application in for the site for the development of three three-bedroom houses and three two-bedroom houses for family occupancy, which will be managed by The Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

“I was also greatly encouraged that a representative from Triangle attended a recent meeting of the Community Association.

“At the meeting with us and a number of residents from Maybin Park, we were able to raise a number of concerns and seek assurances on the future development and the effects it would have on current residents.

“Triangle hopes to commence the project in April or May this year and has secured funding in place. It has also agreed to keep the residents and the Community Association informed of any future developments.

“While the loss of the police station was a blow, the development of the site will be a benefit to the overall appearance of the villages, which have been sadly neglected, and the number of derelict sites and buildings needs immediate and drastic action by the relevant authorities and their owners,” added Mr Swann.