By Conor Sharkey
THE gap between Meetinghouse Street and Melvin Park will be bridged over the next few years, after Sustrans' Connect2 Project was successful in drawing down a £50 million windfall.
The civil engineering charity, which specialises in building routes for cyclists and walkers, had vowed to finance 79 schemes if they beat three rival companies to the £50 million first prize from the Big Lottery Fund.
For the past fortnight, the public have been voting via telephone or online for the project they believed would most benefit their community.
And yesterday (Wednesday), it was officially confirmed that the Sustrans bid was successful and that Strabane would finally get a pedestrian bridge linking the Ballycolman with the Head of the Town.
The result comes following months of tireless campaigning by Strabane 2000 and Strabane District Council to get the local public to vote.
And celebrating shortly after the announcement by the Big Lottery, the Strabane 2000 team hailed the win as a tremendous achievement.
2000 project officer Heather Torrence said: "I would like to thank everyone, including local businesses, schools, community groups and the general public in the district who supported and voted for the Sustrans Connect2 project because it was the support of the people that helped Sustrans win, so that Strabane will get its bridge and links which will be of great benefit to the whole community."
Strabane 2000 chairman, councillor Jarlath McNulty said the town could now look forward to the installation of the new pedestrian walkway, while chairman of Strabane District Council Gerard Foley described the result as a fitting end to a successful year for the town.
"I am delighted to learn that the Strabane 2000's bridge project as part of the Sustrans Connect2 bid has been successful and would like to thank everyone who pledged their support for our Landmark Bridges Project. Our success relied on the support of local people and we are delighted that so many got involved and voted for this project.
"This funding will allow Strabane Council to progress the bridge project even further.
"It assists us in ensuring that our district is an excellent place to live, work, invest and visit.
"It also builds on the recent 'Pride of Place 2007' award.
"It is a fitting end to a very productive year. Warmest congratulations to everyone involved."
Sustrans Chief Executive Officer John Grimshaw described the news as a fantastic Christmas present, adding, "Ultimately the real winners will be those thousands of people who will now be able to Connect2 their shops, schools, workplaces and each other every day."
