Retail expert Mary Portas is to be invited to Northern Ireland to help devise a plan to regenerate its town centres.

This news comes as Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland considered a review by Ms Portas on the UK high streets.

Minister McCausland said: "I support any initiative which can benefit our town and city centres which are clearly facing a difficult time in the present economic climate. Having seen the Portas Review, I have taken a number of steps as my Department continues to consider how we can best deliver support and regeneration in urban areas. Our focus should be on putting the heart back into the centre of our high streets, re-imagined as exciting social hubs for shopping, learning and socialising."

Minister McCausland continued: "My Department already has an extensive programme of public realm works across the towns and cities of Northern Ireland. This has greatly improved the environment for local people, attracting shoppers and potential investors. A case in point is Newcastle, County Down where footfall in the town has increased dramatically following the completion of the public realm works there. I am keen to explore lessons from the Portas review to ensure we are doing all we can here to maximise the potential of our own town centres as vibrant places for people to live, work and play."

(LB)