£7m city centre facelift delayed

The pedestrianised zone in Waterloo Place is to be removed

A £7m facelift planned for Londonderry's Waterloo Place and Guildhall Square has been delayed until next year.

The regeneration scheme was to get under way in August, but has been put back because of a planning application.

The plans for the area include the removal of the pedestrianised zone.

The Department of Social Development said the project was still on course to proceed as planned, with full construction scheduled for early 2009.

Seana Duddy is the manager of Foster's in Waterloo Place.

She said the removal of the pedestrianised zone was long overdue.

"This has been going on a good five years. Why are they putting this on hold yet again?"

In a statement, the DSD said that subject to the successful outcome of the planning application, they expect to appoint a contractor soon.

"Preliminary site investigations are expected to take place during late summer or early autumn with full construction works likely to commence by early 2009."