Ardglass in south Down has been named Northern Ireland's Most Improved Village 2009 at the recent Amenity Council Awards, after undergoing a council-backed environmental improvement project.

Local councillor William Dick said it is hoped the completed scheme will acts as catalyst for further investment and development in the area.

Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew said the project had generated a landscape that benefits both residents and tourists to Ardglass.

"I would like to congratulate Down District Council for planning and delivering the scheme; the local community development groups for their time and effort in planning the project; and, the design team, architects and contractors that have delivered a scheme that will hopefully benefit the village for years to come," she said.

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Funding was secured by a Tri Council working group led by Councillor Dermot Curran.

Lobbying by this group resulted in the initiation of the Fishing Villages Initiative which, through the Department of Agriculture, provided funding of £1,113,856 towards the Ardglass scheme.

Down District Council contributed £178,734, representing a total investment of £1,292,950 in town.

Ardglass benefited from new road alignment providing additional parking bays, new kerbs, planting schemes, feature lighting and street furniture.

Additional work also included the upgrading of Castle Place and the provision of a new play park at Quay Street.

Two innovative pieces of public art which were also commissioned as part of the project.

Councillor Dick added: "Let us hope that this project leads to more positive developments for Ardglass, a village which has attracts many visitors and the improvements in the village will make a great contribution to the entire visitor experience."

Whitemountain was the appointed contractor for the works.

(PR/BMcc)