Work has started on the £414,000 Alley Theatre Courtyard Scheme in Strabane.

Funding of £316,000, which was secured through the Integrated Development Fund, has been delivered through the Northern West Development Office towards the projects total cost of £414,000. Strabane District Council will fund the remainder of the environmental improvement scheme.

Executive Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie welcomed the project, by saying: "During my recent visit to Strabane I saw for myself some of the good work being carried out by Strabane District Council and its partners in the ongoing regeneration of the town.

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"The environmental enhancement scheme has been designed to complement the new Alley Theatre and will make a friendly and vibrant space for all to enjoy. This scheme together with the Canal Street project which my Department is delivering will make a major environmental impact on the town centre."

The project will create a new courtyard area alongside the theatre and includes high quality paving, lighting, landscaping, public art work and street furniture. Work is due to be completed by the end of March.

Declan O'Hare, Director of the North West Development Office, helped to mark the beginning of work on the Environmental scheme on behalf of the Minister, alongside Strabane District Council members at an official ceremony yesterday.

(JM)