Cumran PS P7 class help out with efforts to secure safer roads in Clough
Slieve Croob DUP Councillor Alan Lewis has praised pupils from Cumran Primary School for supporting his on-going efforts to secure improved pedestrian safety and footpath provision in Clough village.
Councillor Lewis, who has been working with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and pressing for improvements to pedestrian access in the village, recently returned to Cumran Primary School with DfI representative Trevor Maxwell to meet Primary 7 pupils.
The visit followed correspondence from the pupils, who had written letters highlighting their concerns about pedestrian safety and supporting the case for a new footpath.
Speaking following the visit, Councillor Lewis said: “Improving pedestrian safety in Clough has been an issue I have been actively pursuing with DfI, and I’ve spent considerable time raising concerns, pressing for improvements and working to ensure the need for better footpath provision is recognised.
“While that work has involved ongoing engagement with the Department, it was particularly encouraging to have the support of pupils from Cumran Primary School, who took the initiative to write letters explaining why these improvements matter to them.
“Their letters added further weight to the case I had been making and demonstrated that this isn’t simply an infrastructure issue. It’s about the safety of local people, particularly children and families.
“I was delighted that Trevor Maxwell from the DfI agreed to accompany me to the school so that we could personally thank the pupils and acknowledge their contribution.
“We also took the opportunity to have a really worthwhile discussion about local government, the role of DfI and how young people can raise concerns through their elected representatives.
“I wanted the children to understand that the letters they wrote weren’t simply put in a drawer and forgotten about. They were listened to, they formed part of the wider case being made, and their involvement was genuinely appreciated.
“Securing infrastructure improvements takes persistence, engagement and sometimes a considerable amount of time. That is why I believe it’s important to recognise everyone who contributes towards achieving progress.
“I will continue working with DfI to see the improvements pursued for Clough delivered, and I’m grateful to Trevor Maxwell for his continued engagement on this issue.
“Finally, I want to thank the staff at Cumran Primary School for encouraging the pupils to take an interest in their community.
“As an elected representative, my job is to take these concerns forward and fight for improvements. But it makes that job all the more worthwhile when young people take an interest, get involved and see that their voices can help make a difference.”
