Council asked to address ‘unsightly buildings’ facing the River Strule

ONE of the most unsightly areas of Omagh town centre could be in line for a much-needed facelift.

The area at the rear of Market Street is prominent for motorists and pedestrians travelling through the town along Drumragh and Sedan Avenue. But many of those buildings which overlook the River Strule appear dilapidated.

Now, though, that could be about to change.

Town councillor, Barry McElduff, wants to address the ”negative visual impact” of the buildings.

“At present, right at the heart of Omagh, that vista is predominantly colourless, dank, off-putting and unattractive. Ugly, even, for the greater part,” he added.

Thousands of people view this daily, including people arriving in the town or departing by public transport. It creates the wrong impression and a bad impression.

“Bogan’s and Curran’s are the exception in that these businesses are bright and aesthetically pleasing.

“Fair play to those business owners who have invested accordingly. A real effort has also been made to present The Clock Bar in an attractive way.”

Cllr McElduff is seeking to improve the visibility of those shop facades and has asked the council’s director of regeneration and community, Kim McLaughlin, to investigate the potential of developing an environmental improvement scheme for those buildings at the rear of Market Street.