The main urban thoroughfares of Armagh City, Banbridge, Dromore, Lurgan and Portadown are streets ahead in the cleanliness stakes following the near completion of a specialist deep cleanse initiative that has resulted in the removal of ingrained residues such as chewing gum, food stains, oils and greases in some 54 streets.
Thanks to a £70,000 investment from the Department of Communities with a 10 percent contribution from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the deep cleanse work has really enhanced the physical urban environment in these towns – all of which have benefitted from a major programme of public realm works in recent years.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Garath Keating, said: “I am delighted with the noticeable end result of this initiative… the much improved, aesthetically pleasing presentation of our towns.
“Maintaining the condition of our town centres is essential to enhancing their long-term vitality and viability because a high level of street cleanliness is immensely influential in attracting shoppers and encouraging investment, which in turn affects economic well-being.
“Towns are often judged by the quality of their public realms. Individuals and businesses are much more inclined to visit and invest in towns which show all the signs of being well looked after. In the same regard, well-maintained town centres deeply affect civic pride and community spirit. It is often regarded as a barometer of the respect in which the local environment is held.”
The deep cleanse work has so far been completed in each town with the exception of Banbridge, which will be completed in the next fortnight.
The streets and public spaces included in the deep cleanse project are:
Armagh City
Abbey Street, Abbey Lane, Barrack Street, Cathedral Road, College Street, Coppersmith Lane, Dawson Street, Dobbin Street, Dobbin Street Lane, Gaol Square, Irish Street/Lower Irish Street, Linenhall Street, Lower English Street, Market Street, Mall West, McCrum’s Court, Ogle Street, Railway Street, Russell Street, Scotch Street, Shambles Yard – Granite Areas, Thomas Street, Upper English Street, Jennys Row, Loudan Mews, Mall West Shopping Centre to Upper English Street, Ogle Street to St. Malachys Carpark, Bus Station to Upper English Street (Mens Shed) and Bus Station to Lower English Street (at Toals/Fat Sams)
Banbridge
Newry Street, Bridge Street, Church Street, Gospel Lane and Rathfriland Street
Dromore
Market Square
Lurgan
Church Place, Market Street (to Castle Lane/Carnegie Street and including ‘Central Plaza’), Edward Street (north side), William Street, Market Street and High Street from Carnegie St/Castle Lane to Malcolm Rd
Portadown
Bridge Street (from the Bann Bridge to Goban Street), A further section of Bridge Street that abuts the town centre/High Street, Bridge Street South, High Street, Market Street, Church street (including ‘St Marks Plaza’), Mandeville Street, Shillington Street, West Street, Woodhouse Street, William Street, Thomas Street, Edward Street and Castle Street.
