Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed the completion of work on the virtual shop front scheme in Ballymoney.

The Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Social Development provided funding of £47,300 towards this interim improvement scheme.

Welcoming the completion of the Ballymoney improvement scheme, the Minister said: "I recently visited Ballymoney and saw the impact for myself that this project was offering to the image of the town, enhancing the appearance of those derelict properties.

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"Whilst the completion of this project is a very positive development for Ballymoney town centre, these shop front improvements are only meant to serve as a short term solution. In the longer term development options are being put forward for this site in the towns' draft masterplan, which I launched in June. The masterplan will provide direction for the economic regeneration of the town over the next two decades."

He added: "It is very important that we find out what local people think about the proposed options in the town's draft masterplan so that we can agree what is needed for the area in the future. I would encourage everyone to take time to respond to the public consultation exercise and ensure their views on Linenhall Street and other proposals in the draft Masterplan are made known. The closing date for submissions to the consultation is 12 September 2013."

The draft Ballymoney Masterplan consultation launched on 20 June and will be on display locally to 12 September 2013.