Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has visited three town centre areas in Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown earmarked for regeneration.

The Minister met an advisory group established by her department to oversee the creation of an Integrated Development Framework for Lurgan, Craigavon and Portadown.

Ms Ritchie said: "We need to have an Integrated Development Framework for Craigavon to assist with the prioritisation of development opportunities across the three town centres.

"A complex relationship exists between them and intervention is critical to secure a sustainable, prosperous, economic future for the areas as a whole.

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"The main aim of this work is to ensure that Craigavon will have three complementary and successful centres, all with a unique offering within Northern Ireland," she said.

In January 2008, the Minister announced funding for the production of the Integrated Development Framework to revitalise the Craigavon Urban Area.

The framework proposals will identify key sites for regeneration and, in particular, how surplus land can be exploited to assist in the regeneration of the three town centres in Craigavon.

It is also considering transport, access and parking arrangements and advice on how public areas can be improved to enhance the appeal of Lurgan, Portadown and Central Craigavon to shoppers, visitors and investors.

There will be extensive consultation on the plans as they are developed.

The framework is also taking into account the major public realm schemes affecting Lurgan and Portadown, in which the DSD is investing £3.5m.

(PR/BMcC)