Councillor in call for upgrade to resurface Ballynahinch laneway

Councillor in call for upgrade to resurface Ballynahinch laneway

9 February 2022

A LANEWAY which links the sprawling Langley estate with the Belfast Road in Ballynahinch must be upgraded, a local politician has demanded this week.

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker says a number of homes are dotted along Beedhams Walkway which children use to make their way to the town’s High School, while Langley residents use it to access local shops.

Cllr Walker says he understands that three parties own various sections of the laneway and that while the identity of two are known, the third has yet to be confirmed.

He said various calls have been made for the laneway to be upgraded with the campaign spearheaded over many years by former Ballynahinch councillor Billy Alexander.

Cllr Walker said the “bottom line is that the laneway must be resurfaced” to make it safer for all those who use it, including Newry, Mourne and Down Council refuse collection staff.

“There have been many calls for improvements to be carried out at this important town centre laneway but no progress has been made. That must change. The many people who use it and indeed live along it deserve nothing less,” he said.

Cllr Walker said the laneway was particularly muddy and difficult to walk along, especially at this time of year.

He said while students saved a considerable amount of time by using the laneway to get to and from school, many carried a spare pair of shoes.

“The people of Langley and a local community group have been seeking an upgrade of the laneway for some time and while talks were progressing, Covid intervened and movement was placed on hold. 

“With restrictions now easing, it is vital that the drive to upgrade the laneway is re-energised. It is vital that resurfacing work takes place as soon as possible.”

Cllr Walker said Ballynahinch’s master plan includes walking trails and he hopes that Beedhams Walkway is included which will hopefully help pave the way for a much-needed upgrade.

“The laneway is a vitally important link for many people. I hope that agreement between various agencies is possible and perhaps the cost of resurfacing could be shared between the local authority, Housing Executive and Department for Infrastructure,” he continued.

“We cannot allow children walking to school to arrive for class literally mucked to the eyeballs. It simply isn’t right and I will be raising the resurfacing issue again with council officers. The campaign for the laneway to be resurfaced dates back several decades and it is deeply frustrating that no progress has been made.”

Cllr Walker believes that a “thin layer of asphalt” is all that is required to upgrade the laneway, part of which is illuminated by street lights erected by the Department for Infrastructure.

He continued: “I’m as frustrated as anyone that the laneway has not been resurfaced and am determined to do all I can to make this happen. Hopefully, statutory agencies working in partnership can come up with an agreement to finance the work that is required.

“Given that we are in the midst of winter, the laneway is an awful state and the fact that children walking to school are literally getting covered in mud is a situation which must not be allowed to continue.”

Cllr Walker believes that it would not cost a significant sum of money to upgrade the laneway which has the potential to become a key component of the town’s planned new walking trails and open up this part of town to many people.