Downpatrick SDLP Conor Galbraith welcomes fix to ‘steps to nowhere’ at Lynn Doyle Place
SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith has welcomed a commitment from the Department for Infrastructure to amend railings at Lynn Doyle Place in Downpatrick, after a new set of steps in the public realm scheme left residents “baffled”.
The improvements at Lynn Doyle Place are being delivered by the Department for Communities, and Cllr Galbraith said it has been “great to see the area finally coming together” with new surfacing, lighting and streetscape works enhancing the space for local people.
However, residents were left scratching their heads when they saw a flight of steps leading directly to a solid metal barrier at the top, with no clear through route for pedestrians.
Following engagement by Cllr Galbraith with the Department for Communities, officials have now confirmed that the Department for Infrastructure has agreed to modify the railings to improve pedestrian access both ways at this location.
Cllr Galbraith said: “People are really pleased to see long overdue investment at Lynn Doyle Place, but they were rightly confused when they saw what looked like steps to nowhere.
“It just did not make sense from a pedestrian point-of-view and did not reflect how people actually move through the space.
“The SDLP raised these concerns with the Department for Communities on behalf of local residents, and I am glad they have listened.
“The confirmation that DFI will now adjust the railings is a common sense change that will make it easier and safer for people to get around.
