Saintfield resurfacing put on hold

Saintfield resurfacing put on hold

25 May 2022

THE planned resurfacing of a section of Saintfield’s Main Street has been delayed until at least next year.

Roads officials have confirmed that while they are aware of the poor condition of a section of the busy road between the Downpatrick Road junction and the roundabout in front of the Fair Green, they are unlikely to start in the current financial year.

The Department for Infrastructure says it recognises that while the resurfacing works are deemed to be a “high priority” they will not be getting underway any time soon.

In a letter to Strangford MP Jim Shannon, roads officials say the Saintfield resurfacing scheme will no got ahead due to “competing priorities” across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area.

Roads officials have also dismissed claims that the delay in starting the Saintfield scheme is the result of work being carried out in the town by several utility companies.

“This much-needed and very worthwhile scheme will remain under consideration for inclusion in a future works programme, however, in the intervening period, routine safety inspections will continue to be carried out,” said the letter, confirming that any major defects will be repaired.

Rowallane councillor Kathryn Owen said she has been lobbying for the resurfacing work since becoming a councillor.

“As most people know, the lower end of Main Street has been completed but, unfortunately, I have been given various reasons for the delay to the upper end,” she said.

“As a result, I asked my colleague Jim Shannon to write to former roads minister Nichola Mallon for an update and I am very disappointed to learn that the planned resurfacing will not take place in the current financial year.”

Cllr Owen said she will continue to push for the much-needed work to be carried out to ensure that the entire length of Main Street is resurfaced.

Her fellow Rowallane councillor, Robert Burgess, said that after a series of delays many people will be deeply frustrated, especially the business community, that it will be a least another year before resurfacing can start.

“The case has been made for this scheme and while there are competing demands on the roads budget, the resurfacing scheme has been in the pipeline for some time and should be prioritised in my opinion,” he continued.

“Saintfield Main Street carries a huge volume of traffic and this will further deteriorate the surface. That is why the promised resurfacing must be delivered sooner, rather than later.”