The newly installed Lord Mayor of Belfast – Councillor Micky Murray – enjoyed a chat over a cuppa during a special visit to Alpha Housing’s Alexander Court in the north of the city last month.
Councillor Murray was met by staff and tenants upon arrival before being given a guided tour of the apartment-style scheme, which is situated in the leafy and quaint Fortwilliam area of Belfast.
In glorious sunshine, the Lord Mayor was shown around the pristine gardens that tenants lovingly maintain and heard how the space is a popular place for residents to meet with friends and family.
Before everyone moved inside, where Councillor Murray was treated to tea and refreshments, he was presented with a potted flower by residents as a way of marking the special occasion.
“They have created a little oasis of space for neighbours to come together, make new friendships and tackle loneliness"
Councillor Marty Murray, Belfast Lord Mayor
Alpha Housing’s Housing Officer, Jacqui Day, said: “The Lord Mayor showed a lot of interest in the gardens that the tenants had planted up, and was given a little background information about Alpha Housing and Alexander Court, in particular. Inside, he spoke about the chain of office and provided some history about it as well as the portraits of past and present Belfast Lord Mayors.”
Before he left, the Lord Mayor extended a warm invitation to Alexander Court tenants to visit him at his offices at Belfast City Hall, with this due to take place later in the year. Commenting on the visit, Councillor Murray said: “It was good to spend time with the residents of Alexander Court and see the pride they take in looking after their beautiful surroundings.
“They have created a little oasis of space for neighbours to come together, make new friendships and tackle loneliness and I enjoyed chatting with the group about the value they have found in looking after – and enjoying – this outdoor space together.”
