Flats in West Belfast are to be knocked down because they have become a hotbed of anti-social behaviour, the SDLP Social Development Minister has said.
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Alex Attwood has pledged to remove the properties on the Ross Road off the lower Falls Road and build new homes.
Residents have been campaigning for them to be pulled down in a bid to clampdown on the gangs who terrorise the area.
Therese McGlone, who has ten children and has lived there for 18 years, told UTV she is happy with the plans.
"I'm delighted it's about time they knocked them down," she said.
"There're kids taking drugs, I hope they will now go somewhere else"
In March 2008, Frank "Bap" McGreevy, a 51-year old former IRA prisoner, was beaten to death at the flats.
His 17-year-old killer was high on a cocktail of drink and drugs.
The flats and cottages are completely run down with broken windows, graffiti and paint everywhere.
Youths have taken advantage of the open access to the front and back, breaking windows and knocking down doors.
The plans for the new houses will see at least one entry blocked.
However, there is some concern that there won't be enough new homes built.
"There will be less houses but within those houses there will be more units more accommodation, more bedrooms so less homes will result in accommodation for a larger number of people", Alex Attwood said.
"Inevitably everybody will not be living in those houses but I will try to work with the families and the residents to have their wishes satisfied by living here or elsewhere"
Some of the residents in other properties on the Ross Road say they also need new homes.
One woman told UTV people in the area are terrified by the gangs.
"No-one is listening to us on this side of the street", she said.
"We are suffering every bit as much, and the minister needs to address the issue here as well".
"Why say it's ok for one side of the street and not the other?"
Sinn Fein MLA for West Belfast Fra McCann has welcomed the decision but said it was a long time coming.
"I welcome the change of heart from the Minister given his predecessors solid opposition to follow through with such an move".
The flats are expected to be demolished in October with the new houses built next year.
© UTV News