Colin McGrath MLA has welcomed the improvements to the verges and pavement on the Ballydugan Road outside Downpatrick
The SDLP’s Colin McGrath MLA has welcomed works along the Ballydugan Road to clear up weeds and widen the footpath.
Commenting, the South Down MLA has said: “The Ballydugan Road is one of the main approaches to Downpatrick.
“Very often it is the main arterial route which people will take when visiting our town.
“It is essential that this route seen in its best condition. What we have seen over the summer months is the grass growing at a quick pace and the weeds growing up from the side of the road.
“This has resulted in quite a narrow footpath being available to pedestrians.
“On top of this, we have traffic moving at speeds of 60mph which results in pedestrians being very uncertain of the path and simply not feeling safe.
“Based on feedback I have had with local residents, there is real concern when people are travelling with prams, buggies or those in wheelchairs.
I wrote to the Department for Infrastructure about this recently and requested that a clear-up be undertaken for the safety and wellbeing of our pedestrians and road users.
“I am delighted to see these works now being undertaken, now that the bird nesting season has come to a close.
“This will also allow us to have a wider footpath which is of real significance for safety.
“I have no doubt that people making use of the footpath now will feel incredibly more comfortable, and essentially, safe, when making use of the footpath.
“I want to put on record my thanks to our local DFI section team for getting these works completed so quickly and for ensuring that our footpath users have room to move and can feel safe doing so,” said Colin McGrath.
