A 5.4km shared-use path connecting Newtownards and Bangor in County Down will open to the public in early May. The route cost over £5.6m and supports walking, wheeling and cycling.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins attended a recent event marking completion of the Whitespots Line. Ards and North Down deputy mayor Vicky Moore also took part, along with project partners, funders, contractors and community representatives.

The Department for Infrastructure provided £2.9m in funding. The UK Department for Transport contributed £3.2m through the Levelling Up Fund, including £2.3m for this section.

Kimmins stated that active travel infrastructure like greenways improves daily journeys to work, school or for leisure and promotes sustainable travel.

Moore described the project as an investment in sustainable travel, community wellbeing and borough connectivity.

UK Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood noted the path makes travel between Newtownards and Bangor easier, safer and more accessible.

Work has begun on the Scrabo Line section from Newtownards to Comber. This forms part of a wider plan linking Bangor through Ards and Comber to a greenway into Belfast. Plans for a Bangor to Donaghadee link are also progressing.