Work has commenced on the £500,000 regeneration of Cookstown's Burn Road.

Designs for the environmental improvement scheme were finalised prior to works beginning in the town centre last week.

Dromore-based Graham Construction has been contracted to carry out the project, which has been funded by the Department of Social Development.

Influenced by the Cookstown Urban Design Strategy, the scheme will focus on improving the area's built environment, and is due for completion by mid-January 2010.

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Cookstown council chair Tony Quinn said the investment will have a hugely positive impact on the town, "updating and improving its appearance for the benefit of all users".

The greatest concentration of improvements will take place on Burn Road, between the William Street and Park Avenue junctions.

Improvements will include new street furniture and some new tree planting.

Existing footpaths will be re-constructed and the carriageway will benefit from new surface improvements.

Street lighting will be enhanced and new lanterns installed on all existing and new lighting columns along the entire length of the road.

The proposed works have been divided into eight phases in order to reduce inconvenience to users.

Trevor Wilson, Chairman of Cookstown Town Centre Forum said: "The scheme will result in a greater civic focus for the Burn Road area of the town centre and will create a more useable space to facilitate hosting outdoor events."

(PR/BMcC)