A Co Down town is to get a major boost with news that the NI Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland has announced funding of £400,000 for the completion of a public realm scheme in Rathfriland Street in Banbridge.

The Rathfriland Street scheme will enhance a busy commercial area, which links to the recently refurbished Solitude Park. Proposals for the scheme include the narrowing of the footpath to allow to provide parking/loading bays on both sides of the road; new granite footpaths; re-use of exiting granite kerbs; new lighting scheme to include extra lighting; re-profiling and resurfacing of the carriageway and undergrounding of drainage from downpipes.

DUP MLA Minister McCausland said: "Banbridge is a town with great potential, but like many other towns it faces competition. Therefore I welcome the opportunity today to announce funding to develop a further public realm scheme for Rathfriland Street.

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"This scheme will greatly enhance and upgrade this busy commercial area, in line with the improvements previously carried out in the town centre," he said.

"As Minister for Social Development I am aware of the current difficulties facing our towns and cities.

"The Banbridge Development Strategy identified this project as a priority regeneration initiative and I am encouraged by the dedication of Banbridge District Council who funded the Strategy and who are committed to its delivery.

"Public Realm improvements are valuable in this economic climate and besides creating employment; the outcome of this project will assist Banbridge as it strives to develop as an enterprising and competitive, yet traditional market town," he concluded.

Banbridge District Council Chairman, Councillor Joan Baird said: "We are very pleased that the Department for Social Development has announced this support for the Rathfriland Street Scheme. The project has been identified as a key priority for the improvement of Banbridge and will create an attractive link between the town centre and Solitude Park, which was refurbished by council in recent years.

"We anticipate that this project will bring Rathfriland Street up to the standard which has already been achieved in Newry Street, Bridge Street and Church Square.

"Banbridge is a very attractive town and this work will further enhance the commercial core benefitting businesses, retailers, residents and visitors alike."

(BMcC/GK)