Refurbishment work on historic building

ONE of Strabane town centre's landmark buildings - the historic Strabane Delivery Office - has been given a makeover following refurbishment works.

Royal Mail has undertaken a a major programme of repair and restoration works on the B2 listed property on Castle Street.

The work included repairs to rainwater goods, windows, security grilles, external doors, roof slates, masonry and internal finishes, as well as full redecoration where required.

It follows lobbying from West Tyrone SDLP MLA., Daniel McCrossan, who had called for action after concerns were raised about the poor condition of the building.

As reported in this newspaper last August, Mr McCrossan wrote to Royal Mail management calling for immediate refurbishment works.

Royal Mail subsequently agreed to conduct a review of the condition of the building with a view to seeing how it could be improved.

Following a site visit and inspection by consultants, it was determined that part of the property was allowing dampness and water ingress to affect the internal fabric.

It was thus recommended that a a comprehensive scope of works be implemented.

Mr McCrossan has welcomed the work.

"I'm really pleased that Royal Mail listened to our concerns and responded, and the results speak for themselves," he said.

"This historic building is looking better than it has in years and it is great to see real care being taken with such an important part of Strabane town centre.

"Work completed so far includes: repaired roof, repair and restoration of original sash windows, cleaning and maintenance of brickwork, full repaint of faded and peeling surfaces, proper restoration of the historic door surround, removal of dated shutters and defective guttering fixed."

The local MLA added: "Next step - the full £8 million regeneration of Strabane town centre.

"This is the scale of ambition we need to continue transforming our town."

"This is a great example of how our historic buildings can be protected and properly maintained for future generations.