Independent Councillor Patrick Clarke has asked the Chief Executive of Newry Mourne and Down District Council to formally write to the Minister for Regional Development Danny Kennedy about the urgent need for a pedestrian crossing in Main Street Dundrum.
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Councillor Patrick Clarke is calling for a pedestrian crossing in Dundrum.[/caption]
Councillor Clarke said he would also be writing to the Regional Development Minister asking him to prioritise funding for the pedestrian crossing and he added: “Dundrum has been badly in urgent need of a pedestrian crossing for a good number of years, and I have been continually lobbying since I was first elected back in 2011 and campaigning with DRD Roads Service to secure a pedestrian crossing along Main Street.
“The urgent need for a pedestrian crossing was previously discussed at great length with DRD Roads Service, PSNI, Council officers and Dundrum Village Association noting the large volumes of traffic that pass through the village during the year and at busy holiday periods.
“Many pedestrians particularly the elderly are often waiting lengthy periods of time to get across the Main Street to either the post office or shops. At present there is not even a zebra crossing to assist pedestrians in Dundrum.
“Both the PSNI and DRD Roads Service agree that Dundrum village needs a pedestrian crossing, but to date DRD Roads Service have refused due to their strict criteria guidelines regarding passing motorised traffic and pedestrian footfall and Dundrum just falls narrowly short off this.
“However DRD Roads Service have conceded that funding was also a factor and that if funding were released a pedestrian crossing for Dundrum would be considered.”
“Newry Mourne & Down District Council as a statutory body may now hopefully be able to exert some pressure by writing directly to the Minister for Regional Development regarding funding for this pedestrian crossing.”
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