A stretch of footpath in Ballyhegan – branded as “an accident waiting to happen” by a local resident – has now been scraped and cleaned.
And a local councillor is now pushing for the addition of speed calming measures to improve safety in the area.
The pathway and overgrown hedgerow on approach to the former Famous Grouse restaurant was “unusable”, said the resident.
It was argued that to walk along that part of the footpath, most people were having to take to the road on a bad bend where a full view of oncoming traffic was not possible.
Related: Resident brands Ballyhegan road an ‘accident waiting to happen’
Due to the proximity of the path with a local primary school, nursing home and bus stop, the resident also said speed calming measures were greatly needed to help combat speeding.
The resident – who wished to remain anonymous – contacted Armagh I at the end of August, saying they felt they had “no other option” when their constant complaints to ABC Council and the Department for Infrastructure seemed to bounce back-and-forth with no clear answer or resolution in the ether.
Left, before photos of the footpath and right, after work was completed
However, when Armagh I contacted DUP Councillor Lavelle McIlwrath – who had been in support of the resident’s concerns – for insight, he assured that works were due to commence, with council having committed to “scraping and clearing” the pathway by the start of September.
And, true to his word, the work has now been completed, with the councillor now further pushing for speed calming measures as per the resident’s request.
Upon completion of the work, the councillor said: “I want to thank council for undertaking a task which is essentially not their role; nevertheless, the impact of this small clean-up is significant for children and adults using the Ballyhegan road, especially as we head into winter.
“I’ve requested that DfI have the adjacent hedge cut back which will also help.
“Speeding vehicles on the main road especially at peak times is also an issue in this area and I’ve requested speed enforcement, as well as the possibility of a speed indicator device to be deployed. I’m awaiting a PSNI update on this.”
Armagh I had also contacted DfI regarding the hedge cutting and were informed that, while this is not their responsibility, the Department is working with the landowner to ensure maintenance is performed.
