A residential area in Downpatrick has welcomed the allocation of £20,000 funding by Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie.

Ardmeen Green housing estate is set to benefit from environmental enhancements and road safety improvement works as part of the investment.

The project will be funded through a grant of £18,000 from the Department for Social Development’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund with the balance of £2,000 provided by DRD Roads Service.

The work, which is scheduled to be completed within the current financial year, involves the provision of lay-bys of sufficient width and length to accommodate the parking requirements of the residents.

-- Advertisement --

It will also help to provide an attractive safe site where all can access the estate and its environs without hindrance or fear, according to the DSD.

Speaking during a visit to the estate Minister Ritchie said: "Ardmeen Green was built in the mid-1950's and the road layout falls short of that which would be required to meet current standards in terms of carriageway width and car parking provision.

"As a result residents have to park their cars on the road or on the grassed area thus impeding the flow of traffic and damaging the open space.

"This is good news for the residents of this local housing estate in Downpatrick. A safe and accessible route is hugely important and I am delighted to have been able to make the necessary funding available for this much needed project.

"It will help create a safer environment for children in this estate and ease concerns of parents who have lobbied for this work."

Chairperson of the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, Rita Rogan, said the scheme will be welcomed by local residents who have lobbied for many years to have this matter addressed.

(PR)