Northern Ireland Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has marked the achievements of Strabane 2000 and welcomed the organisations proposals for the continuing regeneration of the town.

Established in 1997 by Strabane District Council, the Strabane Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the DOE, the main aim of Strabane 2000 is to encourage redevelopment and regeneration of the town centre by social and physical regeneration initiatives.

"Whilst it is important to recognise the achievements of the last 10 years, it is essential that we continue the process of building a sustainable urban environment that delivers both economic success and social justice," the Minister said.

"Already almost £2.5m has helped develop a new library, pedestrian walkways, environmental enhancements of the Main Street and the town centre shop front improvements scheme. These have all contributed to a more attractive, lively town that is a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.

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"The aspirations of Strabane 2000 include exciting proposals for the construction of two new bridges as well as the regeneration of the Score site and its surrounding area."

The Chairman of Strabane 2000, Jarlath McNulty, also said: "Strabane 2000 has worked tirelessly over the past 10 years towards the regeneration of a vibrant town centre. Its success was rewarded in 2007, firstly with Strabane being designated as a Town Centre Living Initiative area in January, winning the Co-operation Ireland All-Island 'Pride of Place 2007' Gala Award in November and then in December, Sustrans winning the Connect2 bid to the Big Lottery which means that Strabane will receive £650,000 towards its new pedestrian and cycle bridge at Melvin."

He concluded: "These awards speak for themselves and reinforce that Strabane 2000 is an integral part of any development within the town."

The Minister also congratulated representatives of the Castlederg Youth Forum on winning a Philip Lawrence Award for their work on a range of cross-community projects involving young people of the area.

She went on to meet members of the Strabane Neighbourhood Partnership to discuss plans to address the needs of disadvantaged areas including Ballycolman, Lisnafin and Head of the Town.

(JM)