A NEW task group has been set up to look at the growth of the Cultural Quarter.

In the past two years the area has seen a rapid expansion of bars, restaurants and businesses looking to call the area around Palmyra Square their home.

And on Monday the council's executive board approved plans to set up a task group to run for a year to work with businesses on the growth of the area.

Deputy council leader Clr Mike Hannon said: "The cultural quarter was set up 12 to 15 years ago and has had a relatively slow period over that time.

"We are now starting to see the area develop as part of the vision we had years ago.

"We feel now it's starting to move on and we need to give it an extra push."

Council leader Clr Terry O'Neill added: "It's an excellent concept as it evolves and develops we need to focus it so we have a strategy in place."