Work has started in Clare Glen, Tandragee, to refurbish the park's footbridge over the River Cusher.

Armagh City and District Council, which secured funding of almost £30,000 from the EU Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity NI through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Craigavon and Armagh Rural Development (CARD), expects the project to be completed by the end of January 2008.

David McKee, Head of Operational Services at the Council, said: "The bridge was constructed in 1973 and has withstood the test of our wet weather for many years. However, after a survey was carried out in 2006, we became aware that major refurbishments needed to be made to the bridge.

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"The Glen will remain open throughout the duration of the refurbishment works, with only the bridge being closed to the public. Visitors should be aware that the contractors will be setting up a construction site close to the bridge and be conscious of the ongoing works."

Clare Glen is located within the winding Cusher valley. There is also a caravan park on the site, which is open all year round.

Councillor Eric Speers, joint Chair of CARD, said: "Funding received for this project is not only being put towards the refurbishment of the existing bridge but also towards developing interpretive panels and way-markers for visitors."

It is hoped the refurbishment work will help to entice more visitors to the Glen.

(GK/SP)