Concerns were raised about the new road and footpath surfaces at High Street in Portaferry. Overhead lines are to be removed and put underground in the footpath. Reassurances were given that surfaces would be fully reinstated and that a visual track will not be left on the footpath which was just finished over a year ago. The scheme which will address health and safety issues will last for six weeks in High Street portaferry and NIE will do one side of the street at a time and traffic will be able to drive down the street and will not be restricted. The work done in Meeting House Lane will entail the laying of cable in the footpath and on the road by the Presbyterian Church Hall. Mr Shannon said: “The scheme which was originally designed to start in April has been put off until mid-September so that the Festivals and trade that comes in the ~Easter- Summer period can be maximised. The total time for the scheme will be 3 months and the meeting with NIE was very beneficial in securing work that will have disruption to shopkeepers and home owners kept to a minimum and the end product of the road will retain its current finish. “Thanks to NIE for their help and meeting to agree all of these issues that ensure that problems won’t occur in the future.”]]>