Ballynahinch campaigners thank MLA for by-pass help

SIR, — We greatly appreciate the efforts of Strangford Assemblyman Simon Hamilton for securing a debate at Stormont last week on the Ballynahinch by-pass proposal.

As people who have worked hard on this particular project over many years we were delighted to see the merits of this crucially important scheme being debated at length by Assembly members.

There is clearly a mood of optimism following last week’s debate and we firmly believe that after many false dawns, the construction of a new multi-million pound by-pass is edging ever closer.

If the proposed A5 scheme in the west of the Province does not proceed as planned, we hope some of the cash earmarked for the scheme can be allocated towards the construction of the Ballynahinch by-pass.

We fully appreciate that Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy is not in a position to confirm a start date for the Ballynahinch scheme at this stage, but may be able to do so in the future.

As a result of last week’s debate, the Stormont Executive is now acutely aware that a new Ballynahinch by-pass is at the heart of the town’s social and economic regeneration.

The new road linking the Belfast and Newcastle roads will unlock land for up to 750 new homes and that’s a major boost for the town, its businesses and the construction industry.

We are more hopeful than ever before that Ballynahinch will get a new by-pass and are grateful for the support we have received over many years in our quest for this new road.

We would also like to thank all the parties who made important contributions to last week’s Stormont debate, but are disappointed not every party was represented in the chamber.

Yours etc.,

VINCENT FULLAM and

FRANCIE CASEMENT,

Ballynahinch.