Strabane District Council has welcomed three judges from Co-operation Ireland's Pride of Place Award on a visit to see the town's successful regeneration projects.

Speaking after the event, Council Chairman, Councillor Gerald Foley stated: "Strabane District Council, through its Strabane 2000 partnership, were pleased to host three judges from the Pride of Place Awards yesterday. They spent an afternoon with us while we outlined the progress that Strabane has made in recent years in its urban regeneration and infrastructural development programme."

During their two and a half hour visit; the judges were officially welcomed by Strabane 2000 chairman, Councillor Jarleth McNulty and given a visual presentation by the Chief Executive of Strabane District Council. The judges were also treated to a guided tour of Strabane. The Chief Executive detailed the level of public and private sector investment in Strabane to date and detailed Strabane 2000's plans for future urban regeneration.

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Councillor McNulty explained: "The presentation reflected on the past, present and future. The video and images that we used reflected the journey that we have come through and the vast progress that has been made to the infrastructure of the town and our vision for the future."

The judges were given the opportunity to view the new ASDA development and Strabane retail park. "We felt that it was important that the judges were able to view these developments, as they are a clear illustration of the rising growth and confidence that many commercial interests now have in Strabane," stated Councillor McNulty.

Following a brief historical snapshot of the significance of Strabane in Gray's Printers, the judges were guided along the bridge to see where the proposed two new pedestrian bridges are to be built.

"What we tried to relay was the amazing transformation that this town has undertaken and will continue to do so with many new facility developments and improvements to come. The judges saw for themselves how Strabane has moved away from its troubled past to become a vibrant, thriving town that is bustling with local people going about their day-to-day business. This was in stark contrast to the images that they were presented with before," said Councillor Foley.

(LC/SP)