Northern Ireland

Work begins on new 600m walkway in Maghera

Sean McPeake of Mid Ulster District Council, pictured with Enda Shields from FP McCann and Sean Clarke, of the Mid Ulster Rural Development Partnership at the Largantogher Walkway site
Sean McPeake of Mid Ulster District Council, pictured with Enda Shields from FP McCann and Sean Clarke, of the Mid Ulster Rural Development Partnership at the Largantogher Walkway site Sean McPeake of Mid Ulster District Council, pictured with Enda Shields from FP McCann and Sean Clarke, of the Mid Ulster Rural Development Partnership at the Largantogher Walkway site

WORK has begun on a new 600m walkway in Maghera offering "greater opportunities for local people to enjoy the health benefits of open space".

Named the Largantogher Walkway, the path will connect the Walled Garden, which is adjacent to the historic St Lurach’s Church, with the town’s Tobermore Road.

It is hoped it will create more opportunities for local people and visitors to enjoy open green space, with peaceful areas to rest along the way.

The landscaped pathways will be enhanced with lighting, seating and panels which detail the history of The Walled Garden, St Lurach’s Church and the local area in the project.

The path is due to open in May.

It is one of 37 village renewal projects, representing £2.15m of capital investment across Mid Ulster under the Rural Development Programme.

Sean McPeake, chair of Mid Ulster district council, said: "This is another great example of our local rural development partnership working together with the council to deliver a project which enhances the town centre environment and offers greater opportunities for local people to enjoy the health benefits of open space.

"It’s one of a series of investments in Maghera, which have included a £140K enhancement of facilities in the leisure centre and, still to come, proposals for a substantial £2.5m public realm scheme which will transform the fabric of the town centre."