Improvement works to Newbuildings Cricket Club and Newbuildings United Football Club have reached a major milestone with the completion of Phase 2.

These works included new fencing, gates, hardstanding and traffic calming measures and builds on the successful partnership that oversaw the delivery of the significant Phase 1 Green Infrastructure project completed earlier this year. The Green Infrastructure project delivered improved access and car parking valued at £300,000 and again was supported by Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership.

Commenting on the key milestone, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke said: "As Mayor, it is my pleasure to see this project completed, which will obviously benefit a number of sporting groups and organisations in Newbuildings, but it will also be welcomed by all who live in the area.

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"The works will make it easier for the clubs to provide managed public access and provide increased capacity for public events, as well as supporting the future development of Newbuildings United FC and the Cricket Club by creating better facilities.

"Council's continued partnership with the clubs and Newbuildings Community and Environmental Association has continued to deliver improvements to the village."

Speaking at the event in New Buildings, Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots MLA commented: "I am pleased that the Northern Ireland Rural Development 'LEADER' Programme, through the Village Renewal Scheme is making a real change to the fabric of rural villages and is supporting projects that are based on community need.

"I am delighted that this project will create a sense of civic pride in the village, provide tangible benefits for users and will help this rural area reach its full potential. I want to thank all those involved for all their hard work and dedication in bringing the project forward."

Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership (LAG) was the majority funder under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 which is managed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union.

Councillor Rachael Ferguson, Member of the Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership, added: "The LAG is delighted to have been able to support further work on this project, which has already been a real benefit to the local community, in terms of sporting events, community events and as a place to engage in and promote healthy active lifestyles."