One-way system axed after complaints from businesses

One-way system axed after complaints from businesses

16 July 2014

THE one-way system put in place during major construction work on Downpatrick’s Market Street has been abandoned following pressure from traders and a local councillor.

With traffic and potential shoppers avoiding the town’s main shopping street over the past month Northern Ireland Water is to carry out the rest of its work with a two-way system in place.

The £3m scheme got underway on June 18 and includes the construction of a new pumping station with extra storm water storage to alleviate flooding in the street. When work resumes on July 28 after a two week break the plan had been to return to the one-way system but NI Water say this is no longer necessary.

In an email to Downpatrick Chamber of Commerce and councillor Cadogan Enright, who has strongly criticised their handling of Market Street, a NI Water representative said an amended plan was now in place “to address concerns in the area” and “further minimise disruption in Market Street”.

Traders were informed that the most disruptive phase, which required the one-way system, was over and it was anticipated “this phase of work will have less impact on local traders and associated tourist trade”.

The head of Downpatrick’s Chamber of Commerce, Gary Flynn, said the impact on trade had been felt on his filling station business and as far down as the McDonald’s restaurant on the outskirts of Market Street.

“We have definitely seen less trade,” he said. “People did not want to come this way.

“I would like to thank Christine McAllister from NI Water for listening to the traders.”

Councillor Cadogan Enright has been campaigning on the subject and critical of work not being carried out over the quiet July holiday period.

“I had been opposing NI Water blocking off upper Market Street for the last 10 days with a one way system, despite not needing it as they had no work being done,” he said.

“They had also planned to go off on holidays from now to the end of July and then come back and block it off with a one way system again.

“This was bad for traders, car drivers and shoppers alike. They have bowed to pressure from myself and I welcome the fact that traders will now not be affected during the busy period leading up to the return to school.

“I know how important August is to the traders, outside of Christmas it is the most important trading period.”

Northern Ireland Water has said it will continue to review its traffic management plan for Market Street and liaise closely with the Department for Regional Development as pipe laying progresses.