In a meeting this morning, representatives from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) engaged with officials from the Department of Finance to address ongoing concerns regarding the state of the grounds surrounding County Hall in Coleraine.
East Londonderry MLA Maurice Bradley and Coleraine DEA Councillor Tanya Elder met with the estates manager and departmental officials to discuss the urgent need for remedial work.
“We continue to receive complaints from constituents about the poor condition of the grounds surrounding County Hall,” stated the DUP representatives. They emphasised the importance of the site, which serves as a gateway to Coleraine from this side of town, highlighting that its current dilapidated state is “far from welcoming.”
Situated beside the picturesque River Bann, County Hall is a popular area for walkers and runners alike. The DUP representatives lamented, “It’s a shame to see such a well-used area in disrepair,” pointing to the need for improvements not only for aesthetic purposes but also for the community’s enjoyment and use.
While acknowledging that the building itself requires substantial investment to meet future administrative needs, the representatives reiterated their commitment to advocating for funding that could stimulate job creation in the local area. “We’ve been reassured that remedial work will begin shortly, and we’ve also been informed that discussions about the future use of the site are ongoing. We will continue to lobby for investment,” they concluded.
The meeting marks a step towards revitalizing County Hall and its surroundings, with hopes that the promised improvements will enhance the area for both residents and visitors.