BY MARK MCKELVEY

Not to be the type to say, "I told you so," the keepers of the good reputation of Strabane intend to do just that.

Producers of the Channel 4 series, 'Location, Location Location' are set to be reminded of their contentious, and of course, outright mistaken decision to put Strabane in one of its 'Worst Place to Live' categories.

The town's Councillors intend to dispatch a copy of their 'Pride of Place 2007' award off to Channel 4, to show them just how wrong they were.

Revelling in Strabane's recent success in being presented a Pride of Place award, it was agreed at a meeting this week that a copy of the award be sent to the producers of Channel 4's Location Location Location.

There was a general consensus in a Council meeting on Tuesday night that this urban regeneration award is an illustration of how Strabane has developed through the initiatives of Strabane 2000.

Congratulating the hard work and endeavour carried out by this committee, Sinn Féin Cllr Ivan Barr made the proposal of spreading the news of Strabane's success to Channel 4.

He said, "I would congratulate all those that have been involved in Strabane 2000, especially for their work in creating such a wonderful change in the town centre area.

"One of the judges commented to me that he was staggered by the vast improvements made in Strabane in the past few years since he had last passed through this area and these comments have to be greatly appreciated.

"This is an illustration of the real Strabane and I propose we contact the producers of Location Location Location and send them a copy of this award as it may influence who they slag off next year.

"I am convinced that they did much research when they nailed this town to the wall in the past in the way they lambasted us.

Glenelly UUP Cllr James Emery seconded this proposal saying this would let them know that Strabane exists in a good way, declaring, "This is a moral boosting award for Strabane, putting us on the map."

Chief Executive of the Council, Philip Faithful told the chamber that they could certainly do that.

Also speaking at the meeting SDLP Cllr Eugene McMenamin said, "This is certainly a prestigious award throughout Ireland with cities, towns and villages competing fro awards.

"There were over 900 people at the ceremony with Ministers from both North and South.

"People from Tipperary were talking about Strabane and I feel this award should be cherished by the whole area."