There has been a broad welcome for news of a substantial environmental improvement scheme for an important area of east Belfast.

Yesterday, NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie announced news of a £1.4 million environmental improvement scheme to revitalise the Newtownards Road in East Belfast.

At an event to launch the Newtownards Road 2012 Action Plan at Parliament Buildings, Minister Ritchie said: "I am pleased to approve the funding for this scheme on the Newtownards Road.

"This project will improve the social conditions and physical environment for local residents," she said, noting that the whole of the 'Inner East Neighbourhood Renewal Area' will benefit from the completion of this ambitious scheme.

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Greeting the news, an East Belfast MLA said he was happy to see something for which he had previoulsy lobbied coming to fruition.

The DUP's Robin Newton, (pictured) said:" I am extremely pleased that the area has been recognised as an area needing public sector investment.

"I have been campaigning and lobbying the Minister for such investment for two years and and pleased it has now come to fruition and very much welcome the announcement."

Yesterday, Minister Ritchie revealed that funding this project was "demonstrating commitment to improving the quality of life for the people who live and work in this area".

She said: "This environmental improvement scheme is fully in line with my Department's commitment to Neighbourhood Renewal."

She confirmed that improvements to the footpaths and roadways, removal and rationalisation of street furniture, installation of new lighting columns and the planting of an avenue of trees, will all be involved and will help create "an attractive environment for residents, local businesses and passing commuters".

She said that it is hoped that work will get underway early in the new year.

It will take up to 16 months to complete and will also complement other projects already carried out or planned in this part of Belfast City.

(BMcC)