Councillor hears of Spa residents’ concerns

Councillor hears of Spa residents’ concerns

21 December 2011

A BALLYNAHINCH politician has been briefed by community representatives in the Spa area about a number of issues they want addressed.

Councillor Garth Craig met recently with the village’s community association chairman Bobby Hunter who outlined dangers posed by overgrown hedges obscuring a number of road signs.

Mr. Hunter said an ornamental seat at the crossroads in the village has never been repaired, while part of the wall which runs alongside Spa lake also needs to be repaired.

The community association chairman said he was also made aware of reports that overhanging branches had broken the window of a passing school bus.

“Residents are also becoming impatient about the inconvenience caused by wooden poles located in the centre of a footpath leading to the Hillside estate,” explained Councillor Craig who is making enquiries to discover who is responsible for them.

“My concern is that mothers with prams and wheelchair users are forced to move on to the road to get past the poles and I plan to raise this safety concern with the relevant authorities.”

Councillor Craig said the Spa Community Association is also seeking additional traffic calming measures at the village’s primary school and has called for speed checks in the area.

He continued: “Mr. Hunter has informed me that in the 42 years he has lived at the Spa, he has noted a general lack of maintenance in the recent past. Residents are also keen to see a bus shelter provided close to the Spa crossroads.

“On a positive side, residents have welcomed the recent completion of the much-needed playground facilities at the Hillside estate.”

Councillor Craig said he has already raised a number of issues with roads officials and recently accompanied them on a tour of the Spa area, pointing out a number of issues residents are concerned about.

He added: “I am more than happy to do all I can and hope to resolve some of the problems which are a major bone of contention for the people in Spa.”