Primary children draw dream homes

Winner at Carhill Primary School was Oliver Holmes. INCR08-156S

The competition is part of a programme of events to help decide if new social or affordable housing is needed in the Craigavole and Windyhall areas.

Pupils from St John’s, Swatragh, Damhead PS, Carhill Integrated and St Malachy’s PS took part in the competition. The winners were Kelsey Baird, Oliver Holmes and Odhrán O’Kane.

Mark Alexander, Causeway Area Manager, explained: “As well as a drawing sheet, each child was given a leaflet for their parent or guardian encouraging anyone in genuine housing need to come forward.

Odhrán OKane from St Johns Primary School, who won the Housing Executives Draw your Dream Home competition. He is pictured with Maria Murray and Nuala McGoldrick, from the Housing Executive in Causeway. incr08-157s

Maria Murray and Nuala McGoldrick, local Housing staff, who visited the schools, explained that it was difficult to choose a winner given the high standard of the drawings.

“While we might not be able to provide all of the great features designed by the children like swimming pools and games rooms, identifying that there is a need is the first step on the road to providing decent homes where they are needed.”

“We are encouraging anyone in housing need to register with us. Often in rural areas people do not register as they feel they will have little chance of being housed in their local area.

“However this leads to a situation where no new homes are ever provided because there is no apparent need.

Kelsey Baird, a Primary 5 pupil at Damhead Primary School, who was the winner of the competition with Maria Murray and Nuala McGoldrick, from the Housing Executive. INCR08-158S

“I would encourage anyone in housing need in the Craigavole and Windyhall areas to register before February 28th by ringing 028 71306169.”

Mark thanked the schools for their help in organising the competition.