Finlay unhappy at crossing decision

Councillor Finlay said: “In recent years, I have lobbied extensively for the provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing on Main Street, Cloughmills.

“This is a busy stretch of road in the centre of the village, and people regularly cross, with a resultant risk of an accident. The problem is exacerbated during school times.

“I gave an petition of over five hundred names to the then Minister for Regional Development, Mr Danny Kenendy MLA, in 2015, and I was advised that it would be necessary to carry out a survey.

“I have now been advised that that survey is now complete, and that there are no plans to provide a controlled crossing facility at this time.

“Officials say that the policy is designed to assess the need and to prioritise location where pedestrians encounter difficulties in crossing the road due to the high volumes of vehicular traffic.

“This is applied consistently and impartially when assessing all requests, so that available funding can be directed at those sites with the greatest need. On that basis, the decision was taken not to proceed.

“I am not convinced by the decision and I share the concerns of local residents.

“I am worried that there will be a serious accident in which someone could be seriously injured or killed. I will therefore continue to lobby on this matter.”