Colin McGrath to meet with Cycling and Walking Champion and is seeking ideas from local people on how to improve and create walking and cycling areas.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath is to meet with the North’s new Cycling and Walking Champion, Liz Loughran who has been recently appointed to the position.
Commenting, Mr McGrath said: “Our Infrastructure Minister and my party colleague Nichola Mallon MLA has been doing some fantastic work in developing new and innovative ways to get people on their feet, or on the bike (pedal or electric!). The most important thing is she wants to get people out and about in the fresh air and moving. There’s no doubt Nichola is making great strides to connect people, which is what the SDLP is all about!
“I welcome news on the appointment of a new Cycling and Walking Champion for the North. Having been in regular contact with the Department for Infrastructure on a number of key issues in recent times such as the need to have a footpath completed on the Ardglass Road, the need for cycle stands in Newcastle, or the need to see improvements to walking trails in the area, I have requested an interview with our new champion to bring her up to speed on these essential issues which constituents continue to raise with me.
“Also, I have been collating these issues together from our local councillors who are working on the ground and also get these issues raised. However, I also want to hear from members of the public.
“What are the walking and issues you would like to see raised with the new Cycling and Walking Champion? I encourage everyone who is interested in this to get in touch with my office about this.
“I can’t promise every project request raised with my office will get delivered – that would be foolish – but for the first time in a long time, we’ve got an Infrastructure Minister who is listening and is working flat for all of us, so I can’t help but think we’re off on a good footing.”
