Petition against quay fences well supported

Petition against quay fences well supported

28 August 2013

A COMMUNITY petition against plans to fence off part of Strangford’s quay has been drawn up.

The petition was signed by many people during the village’s annual festival at the weekend, including South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie

Miss Ritchie, who was joined SDLP councillor Gareth Sharvin in the village, said local people were united against the “unacceptable” Department of Regional Development (DRD) proposal.

DRD is seeking planning approval for the fence to provide what is described as a “controlled access area” for people visiting Strangford in mini cruise ships.

The DRD said it is required to provide such areas under international shipping and port security legislation to allow visitors to be met by harbour masters on arrival. But the move has angered local people, who fear the creation will seriously restrict public access and have a detrimental impact on this part of the village’s conservation area.

“The DRD minister must accept the very valid concerns of residents and withdraw this planning application,” said Miss Ritchie. “DRD must consider other options that would not infringe on the rights of local residents and the natural heritage of the area.

“This fence would block access to the moorings and would be an infringement of the rights of the community of Strangford. We must achieve a more suitable solution to this problem and one that is not detrimental to local residents and the local environment.”