Over £220,000 has been earmarked for a town centre spruce-up in Newtownhamilton.
Confirmation of the facelift came from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
He had been asked by Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty what steps his Department had to provide “aesthetic improvements” for Newtownhamilton.
And the Minister confirmed that a total of£222,294 had been set aside “to take forward a range of regeneration measures to improve the aesthetics of Newtownhamilton”.
The works would include improvements to shop frontages, replacement and installation of new footpaths, bins and fencing.
“This funding is part of the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Programme and is a collaborative approach to regeneration between my Department, DAERA and DfI to deliver a programme of projects to support smaller settlements as they recover from the impact of the pandemic and to address regeneration needs,” said Minister Lyons.
“The measures undertaken were identified by a locally established steering group made up of local councillors and representatives from businesses and the community.”
Sinn Féin councillor Aoife Finnegan has welcomed the revitalisation works while insisting there is potential to further develop the village.
The Slieve Gullion councillor said: “The Newtownhamilton revitalisation works will move into their final phase in the coming weeks.
“The works were funded from £200,000 delivered between the council and a number of government departments, and have been ongoing since July 2022.
“The scheme has seen the painting of derelict buildings, fencing at the Dundalk road, repairs to bus shelters, power housing throughout the town, new footpaths and bike racks at Jim Steen park as well as a scheme for shop fronts.
“All of these works will be a great boost to the local community and I believe that there is potential in Newtonwhamilton for a real regeneration.
“While all of these works will help to improve the aesthetics of the village, there are many other projects that could be a real boost to the village and the local community.
“Sinn Féin will continue working to secure investment to improve local communities across South Armagh.”
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