Accessibility at leisure and cultural facilities across Mid Ulster is set to be boosted thanks to new investment.

Funding of nearly £200,000 has been awarded to 11 projects in the district which aim to improve access to and participation in arts and cultural activity and leisure and outdoor recreational activity by people with disabilities.

All seven of the Mid Ulster District Council's leisure and sports centres will have new permanent and mobile 'hearing loop systems' installed, with new automatic and power-assisted doors in multiple locations across four leisure and recreation sites, including Tobermore Golf Centre, set to improve accessibility for customers yet further.

Greenvale Leisure Centre will have a Pool Pod system installed, giving unrestricted access to both the main and learner pools and ensuring customers requiring hoist access no longer have to pre-book or wait at the poolside.

The Burnavon theatre in Cookstown will use its funding to update its support hearing system and to enhance areas used for workshops and events with adjustable lighting and camera which will be of particular benefit to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sight problems and restricted movement.

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The Bridewell Visitor Information Centre will also have existing heavy doors replaced with an accessible system, as well as new permanent and portable 'hearing loop' systems.

Outdoors, the funding will bring 10 new accessible picnic tables to picnic areas, parks and open spaces and inclusive play will be improved at the Fairhill play area in Cookstown with the installation of a new wheelchair swing.

These projects are progressing thanks to funding under the Department for Communities (DfC) Access and Inclusion Capital Programme.

Welcoming the investment, Chair of the Council's Development Committee, Councillor Dominic Molloy said: "If we truly want to see all of our residents being able to avail of opportunities to be physically active or to engage in arts and cultural activities and events, then projects like these are crucial to opening up access and building inclusivity.

"I look forward to seeing work starting to create more equitable and inclusive access to the Council's facilities across Mid Ulster."

Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey added: "My Department's Access and Inclusion Programme is aimed at promoting a more inclusive society by improving accessibility at arts, cultural and active recreation venues for people with disabilities who often have limited opportunities to participate in activities that many of us take for granted.

"The improvements that are being taken forward by Mid Ulster District Council will help to open up these facilities to those with disabilities, providing them with the opportunity to increase their participation at a range of venues."

All 11 projects are expected to be completed by 31 March 2022.