TOWN CENTRE FUNDING SOUGHT

Meanwhile, Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has been invited to visit Dromore to see for himself how the sought-after funding would benefit the town.

Banbridge District Council has submitted to the Department of Social Development a bid for £150,000 to fund a range of measures taking in everything from seating to painting to shopfront improvements.

Among the first to welcome the council’s application, and give it his backing, was Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan, who recently met with Banbridge Council Chief Executive Liam Hannaway to discuss the funding bid.

It was Mr. Givan too, who, in the course of lobbying DSD for investment in Dromore, extended an invitation to Social Development Minister, and DUP party colleague, Mr. McCausland.

“I raised the regeneration of Dromore town centre through the Assembly,” said Mr. Givan, “and have lobbied the Department for Social Development to put investment into the town.

“Last week I met with the Chief Executive of Banbridge Council to get an update on the work they are taking forward in the bid to the Department, which I welcome.

“The bid, for £150,000, has been submitted to the Department and I fully support the aims of the project, which will include a paint scheme for all buildings in Church Street, a window façade project for vacant properties, grant-aid for shopfront improvements and a seating/planting area in Market Square.”

Mr. Givan said he and colleagues on the ground wanted Mr. McCausland to gain first-hand knowledge of the bid for the much needed refurbishment and improvements.

“I have written to Minister McCausland,” he said, “inviting him to visit Dromore to see for himself how the town would benefit from this financial assistance.”

Meanwhile, Dromore DUP Councillors Paul Rankin and Hazel Gamble also welcomed the council bid.

“Investment in Dromore will be good news for local people,” said Mr. Rankin, who also attended the recent meeting with Mr. Hannaway, “and I support the submission of this application for this considerable sum of money to enhance the local area.

“It is important to retain existing traders in the town centre and this scheme will help secure this and hopefully attract new investment.”

Ms.Gamble added, “I look forward to hearing the outcome of this application for £150,000 as I believe it will provide a positive contribution to the local community in Dromore.”