A new ‘looped walk’ could be constructed at an Armagh housing estate to “increase health and safety opportunities” of local residents.
But first ABC Council has been asked to lend its support to the plans by Longstone Residents’ Association to see the project cross the line.
The new path – stretching to just over half a mile – would also improve the safety of runners in the area, just off the Loughgall Road.
Council’s environment committee, sitting tonight (Tuesday), has been asked to support the initiative.
A report to committee explains: “Longstone Residents’ Association have delivered several projects over the past few years to develop an area of open space close to the play park in Longstone.
“The group have been carrying out monthly litter picks with Live Here Love Here, as well as carrying out some maintenance of the surrounding area. They have also responsible for organising several sports and biodiversity projects delivered to local young people.”
As well as participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch and leading nature walks, Longstone Residents’ Association last year installed two benches and a picnic table in the area after securing council funding and support.
Now they have set their sights on the next part of their ambitions for their own area.
This, the report explains, involves expanding the existing path network, creating a 0.52 mile looped walk in the interests of health and wellbeing.
Both the Department for Infrastructure and Northern Ireland Housing Executive have enhanced the existing paths in recent months, with DfI investing £70,000 in improvements.
The Residents’ Association have gone on to add recycling bins and a further six benches along the route.
The report to committee added: “A local athletic club is keen to see the loop completed, having previously raised concerns for the safety of members running on the Loughgall Road.
“The Residents’ Association are seen as exemplars for their proactive approach to health and wellbeing within their community. They regularly speak at regional conferences, showcasing how they have significantly reduced anti-social behaviour in the area through proactive engagement with young people.
“The Residents’ Association have also been able to leverage the support of NIHE and DfI to help make the looped walk a reality.”
The land intended for the walk is on a 10,000 year lease from the Housing Executive which includes two restrictive covenants limiting the site to informal play and requiring NIHE consent for any structures or works.
NIHE has advised that a change of use would require formal removal of the relevant covenant and that proposed works would require submission of plans and formal consent from themselves.
Planning approval would also be required.
The Residents’ Association obtained “indicative costs” of £16,000 in 2022, but drawings and new costings would be required through council so that NIHE consent and planning permission might be sought.
The report to committee explains: “The Residents’ Association have successfully obtained funding for a number of projects in the past but have struggled to find funding for this project on account of not being the landowner.
“They have said that they would welcome council support to fund the project but are happy to contribute in any way they can to make it a reality.”
The committee is now being asked to allow officers to further engage with the Longstone Residents’ Association and “develop a proposal in line with the council capital programme process”.
