Building contractor AMD Ltd has been appointed to develop a new shared use walkway and cycling pathways project in Castlederg, Co Tyrone.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, turned the first sod at the site.

The project includes the widening of existing pathways in Castle Park to accommodate cyclists and a connecting link to St Eugene's lands to create over 1km of new shared-use walking and cycling paths.

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Mayor Tierney said: "I am delighted that our walking and cycling path network continues to expand across the District.

"This scheme stems from Council's Green Infrastructure Masterplan for Castlederg which was published last year.

"When completed the people of Castlederg can look forward to improved accessibility for walkers and cyclists.

"The project will further encourage active travel which can enhance people's health and wellbeing, whilst also benefiting the environment through carbon savings."

Funding of £350k has been secured from both Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (£232k) and Council (£120k) to deliver the project and it is anticipated that works will commence onsite later this month, with completion in the Autumn.