Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed the completion of a £60,000 public realm scheme in Market Lane, Downpatrick.

Mr McCausland said: "The completion of this scheme in the centre of Downpatrick will greatly benefit all those who live work and shop in the town. Market Lane is a busy throughway from one of Downpatrick's major car parks into the town’s main shopping area and the St. Patrick's Visitors Centre and for many visitors to the area will be their first sight of the town.

"I welcome the completion of improvements to the public realm. This scheme is a further step in the delivery of my department’s Masterplan for Downpatrick and will play an important role in the revitalisation of the town centre."

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The works included:

•the design and construction of two metalwork arches at the entrance and exit of Market Lane

•re-paving in new high quality materials to match the recently completed public realm scheme in the St.Patrick’s Square, Market Street, Scotch Street, Grove and St. Patrick’s Avenue areas.

In response to the news that the regeneration work in Market Lane, Downpatrick had been completed, Councillor Dermot Curran, Chairman of Down District Council said: "I am delighted that Market Lane received funding to undertake an environmental improvement scheme. This much needed scheme will complement the successful works undertaken in the rest of Downpatrick and will, hopefully benefit those traders who are located in Market Lane. I extend sincere thanks to the Department for Social Development for providing this funding."

(CD/GK)