Roads Service agrees need for crossing

Parents and children from the Linen Green housing development wait to cross a busy road on their way to Pond Park Primary School. US1447-546cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Last year parent Sonya Grimley, who lives in Linen Green, said she was terrified trying to cross the 50mph road with her three children every morning on the way to school.

As a result of the concerns expressed by Sonya, other parents and local politicians, Roads Service agreed to carry out an assessment on the road to assess the need for a crossing.

Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan, who has campaigned for a pedestrian crossing after being contacted by a number of constituents in this area, said he was pleased to have received confirmation that following a recent traffic survey the area has met the criteria for future works.

“There had been surveys carried out before and these met the criteria but unfortunately was not deemed by Roads Service to be a high enough priority to fund it being put in place against other competing schemes,” said Mr Givan. “I am pleased that once again the assessment has shown a clear need for a pedestrian crossing and Roads Service has accepted this however it is essential that a works programme is developed and the resources identified to carry out this important work.

“I recognise and share the safety concerns that local residents have and with the additional traffic being generated on this busy road as a result of housing continuing to be built the dangers are increasing and a real concern exists. If action is not taken it is only a matter of time before there is a serious incident especially with children walking to local schools. I will continue to campaign for this provision until it is put in place.”

A spokesperson for Roads Service confirmed the assessment had been completed.

He said: “The Department has conducted a survey in the vicinity of Linen Green to establish any requirement for a controlled pedestrian crossing. The outcome is that the site will be considered for inclusion in future works programmes.

“At this time it is not possible to give an indication of timescale, however, the site will be considered together with other similar locations for inclusion in the incoming financial year. Consideration is subject to priority, satisfactory design and availability of finance.”