The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens and local DUP politicians have welcomed the UK Government's announcement that the Towns Fund will be extended to cover L'Derry and Coleraine in Northern Ireland.

Over a ten year period, £2 million per year will be allocated to each location to address deprivation in the town. The funding, announced as part of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Spring Budget, will be made available through the Government's 'Long-Term Plan for Towns' project. A new 'Town Board' will be established and tasked with drawing up a long-term plan.

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Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan, said: "This funding is fantastic news for the people of Coleraine. It will help breathe new life into the town and allow local people to have a say on what they believe is best for the long-term future of Coleraine.

"Council is committed to working in partnership with the Town Board to deliver projects over the 10-year lifespan of this programme, as we strive to make Coleraine a place where more people will want to come live, work, invest and do business."

Mr Campbell, East L'Derry MP, stated: "This is a small but welcome boost over a longer period which hopefully an incoming Government of whatever hue will stand over and possibly expand upon. The key will be the delivery mechanism and how it might be used to deliver a multiplier effect to benefit local people."

Gary Middleton, MLA for Foyle, said: "This is some good news and while it is not a massive amount initially if utilised properly should benefit local people, I trust in the future it might be increased further so that people can see tangible benefits."