Social Development Minister David Hanson has launched an Urban Renewal Scheme to drive long-term regeneration in the Village and Donegall Road areas of south Belfast.

The news comes after an investigation by the Belfast Telegraph highlighted how some people were living with no inside toilets, bathrooms, heat and in some cases no electric.

Mr Hanson said a range of actions had been developed to support the local communities.

He said: "It is clear that the key to longer-term regeneration is tackling the significant housing difficulties in the area. I recognise that, my department recognises that and the Housing Executive recognises that. The Housing Executive has worked hard with local communities to identify ways forward.

"Proposals for an Urban Renewal Scheme have been developed and these need serious consideration because of the scale of the scheme and the associated significant costs.

"I recognise, however, that there are still concerns in the community about the way ahead and I have asked my officials to meet regularly with representatives of the community to explore the scope for enhancing the scale of housing redevelopment by maximising, for example, investment from the private sector.

"We need also to see what opportunities arise from the proposals in the Semple Review On Affordable Housing. Through that process I hope the consensus will be reached as to the scale and nature of regeneration of the area.

"Securing the public funding is, however, a significant issue and will have to be considered within the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review which will determine government spending over the next three years. This will be decided by the Assembly.

"I am sure the needs of the Village area will be recognised. I will ensure that my successor as social development minister is fully briefed on the problems facing the area and the priority attached to it by the department and the Housing Executive."

Councillor Bobby Stoker, a spokesman for the Greater Village Regeneration Trust gave the commitment a cautious welcome.

He said: "We know they are going to regenerate the area but it is the amount of regeneration that the community are questioning. We didn't seem to be getting anywhere before we started to protest.

"The community will not settle for bits and pieces - for sticking plasters to be put over the housing situation in this area.

"The aim of the community is to have bad housing eradicated. This recognises that this is not just the community saying 'we want, we want' - we are doing all the work.

"We want to see a decision taken quickly on what is to be done. There is evidence that people would return to this area if the housing situation was improved."

South Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell added: "The minister's continued support for a project of regeneration is to be welcomed. However, I am disappointed he was not able to give a more definitive answer to my question in the House of Commons on Tuesday as to when the project would move forward. "

The commitment was welcomed by residents and community workers who were preparing to protest over their plight.