A Dungannon councillor has said he will “never be intimidated from representing the people” of his area after cycling enthusiasts reportedly “hurdled” abuse at him for his views on cycling in public parks.
DUP Cllr Clement Cuthbertson took to social media on December 15 to discuss the Windmill Wood area after a number of “daily users and walkers” of the wood contacted him to air their concerns about the detrimental impact cyclists appeared to be having on the landscape.
Following this post, the councillor appeared to receive an amount of backlash from “cycling enthusiasts” that he said “from what I see are not from the Dungannon area”.
Firmly standing his ground, he explained: “Let me be absolutely clear: our public parks are for everyone, cyclists included. No-one has any issue with the cycle tracks through the trees.
“The main concern relates to the single green area in the centre of the wood at the tower. There was no need for this space to be cut up, particularly given the weather forecast at the time, which clearly indicated extremely wet conditions. This green area is enjoyed throughout the year by many as a play and picnic space.”
Regarding a bank along Killymerron Park — deemed by Council “too dangerous” for its own staff to mow – Councillor Cuthbertson explained it was cut by a third-party contractor once a year and was “partially cut to allow bikes to cross”.
He added: “Following discussions with Council officers, I have been assured that lessons have been learned from this event and that better management will be in place going forward.
“All events are welcome in our public spaces; however, the rules that apply to others — such as teams hiring Council pitches — must be applied fairly and consistently to everyone,” he said.
“I also look forward to future Council investment in Windmill Wood, which has seen no investment since the formation of MUDC.”
Making reference to the “abuse” he subsequently received, Cllr Cutherbertson said: “I will always speak up for this area and seek to improve our facilities.
“To the cycling enthusiasts, from what I can see are not from the Dungannon area, who felt it appropriate to hurl abuse at me both privately and publicly on this platform: you clearly do not know me.
“I will never be intimidated from representing the people of the Dungannon area.”
