Both towns are close neighbours that have a good deal in common, but can they be made more attractive for future generations?
Encouraging more people to live in the town centres, reducing the volume of traffic, particularly in Cookstown, and improving infrastructure might help.
Here are 12 suggestions on how to make Cookstown and Magherafelt better towns. Have you any other ideas?
9. Free parking
Parking is still free in Cookstown but that could change in the future once Mid Ulster Council completes a pilot scheme. Motorists in Magherafelt have to pay if they want to go shopping in the town. Most people (in both towns) would like to see free/cheaper parking, especially if they work in a shop and have to park all day. Photo: Google Maps
10. Watch your step!
Dog poo on public footpaths is something which really gets up the noses of residents in Cookstown and Magherafelt. Coming into the darker evenings the problem seems to increase in certain parts of the towns. Photo: Geography Photos
11. Roadside blight
A clean up of our roadside hedges is badly needed. Plastic bottles, tins, and carry out litter are thrown out of cars spoiling the appearance of Cookstown and Magherafelt. Photo: Matt Cardy
12. Closed courthouse
The courthouse in Magherafelt - one of the most attractive buildings in the district- has been closed for over three years - since the outbreak of Covid-19 - and locals wonder if it will ever reopen. The Northern Ireland Court Service say they still has no plans to open it for court hearings. Many are wondering if it could not be put some other use for the benefit of the community. Photo: Simon Robinson