Speaking ahead of NIHE’s annual presentation to Antrim Borough Council, taking place on July 26, Councillor Kelly said he is “angry” at the housing authority’s failure to provide fold-type accommodation in Antrim.
In the neighbouring area there are currently two folds in Randalstown and one in Crumlin, all of which are full.
Councillor Neil Kelly said: “It is disgraceful that a town the size of Antrim does not have the option of fold-type accommodation for its residents. Anyone who lives in Antrim and needs a fold faces moving out of their home town, away from family and friends, which is completely unacceptable.
“I look forward to meeting representatives from NIHE and will once again challenge them on the lack of provision for older people in Antrim. I am interested to see the paper put together by the Council, NIHE and the Northern Area Trust and I will be demanding answers on what they are planning to do to address the growing problem.
“I have been working constantly on this issue and in the last year have met several times with NIHE, a number of housing associations and various groups of older people in the town, to try and find a solution.
“On my request my Party colleague Kieran McCarthy MLA has also questioned the Minister at Stormont, resulting in NIHE being told to find a suitable site in Antrim. I will be asking the representatives how this search is progressing.
“The current situation is very concerning for many people in Antrim. I want to assure the public that I will continue to address this matter as a priority.”