Work commences in Ardstraw on first of four Village Renewal Projects

Work got underway this week on the Ardstraw Village Renewal Project, which will see upgrades to the play area, as well as landscaping improvements.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, visited the site on Tuesday and heard about new equipment being in​stalled which will include a wheelchair accessible ground flush roundabout, as well as a basket swing and a zip line.

The work in Ardstraw is one of four Village Renewal Projects, with improvements also being carried out in Artigarvan, Drumahoe and Donemana.

The combined cost of the work for the four Village Renewal Projects is £200,000 and it is being delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from funding allocated by Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

Mayor Tierney said that improvement of recreation and leisure facilities was at the heart of the Village Renewal Projects, and it was great to see work getting underway in Ardstraw.

"I'm delighted that work has begun in Ardstraw as part of the first of our four Village Renewal Projects.

"We know that the people of this community have been eager to see improvements made in terms of recreation and leisure, and it is great news that we have taken another step in the process of delivering that.

"We want to ensure that every community in our district has play facilities and a space where everyone can feel comfortable and safe, and generations both young and older can socialise.

"I'm sure this area will be well-loved and well-used by the people of Ardstraw once complete."

Mary Hunter, Chair of Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership said: "This project will make a real difference to the children and young people of Ardstraw. The accessible facilities will enable the children to engage in play which is so important to their health and well-being. It's brilliant to see this project getting off the ground".

Ardstraw Community Association representative Sharon Moore added: "Ardstraw is a tight-knit community, and we're very much looking forward to having a top-quality play area that will act as a focal point and a meeting place for all in the village.

"We are all delighted to see the work getting underway this week and we can't wait until completion, when everyone in the Ardstraw area can benefit from this project."