More than £22,000 of funding has been made available to improve the appearance of Warrenpoint and Rostrevor. The funding will come from the Dereliction Fund and will be used to improve the appearance of derelict buildings in the area. South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the funding would help the area prepare for the upcoming Police and Fire Games. “I have been pursuing the allocation of finances from the Dereliction Fund to improve the appearances of our town centers in South Down,” she said. “Last week the Environment Minister announced that the towns of Newcastle and Downpatrick would benefit from the Dereliction Fund. Today the Minister has made a further very welcome announcement that Warrenpoint and Rostrevor will be allocated £22,5000 to assist the area in getting ready for the 2013 Police and Fire Games in the summer. This will also make a vital contribution to environmental regeneration in both areas. This is good news for the area. The Police and Fire Games will be a great opportunity to showcase the East Coast, south Down, the Mournes and St Patrick’s Country. This funding will go directly to upgrading the appearance of our town centers. It is vital and much needed particularly during a time when property owners and local businesses do not have the additional revenue required for this work. This is a good kick-start for the Police and Fire Games. I am looking forward to seeing the improvements to the buildings in Warrenpoint and Rostrevor in the coming weeks.” South Down MLA Karen McKevitt also welcomed the funding. “In August competitors and spectators for the World Police and Fire Games will descend on Rostrevor and Warrenpoint for the mountain bike event and this money will mean that we can show off our wonderful picturesque views without the eyesores,” she said. “One building that will now benefit is the Osborne Hotel which is to be painted, have weeds moved and new boards put up. It will certainly make it look more presentable but the long term aim which is highlighted in the recently launched South East Coast Masterplan is to bring this building back to use by attracting private investment. The other buildiings that are to benefit from the fund are located on Mary Street Rostrevor, Seaview Warrenpoint and Osborne Parade in Warrenpoint.”
Newry Democrat
26th February 2013
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