Crash prompts calls for village footpath

Crash prompts calls for village footpath

11 September 2011

CALLS have been made for the construction of a footpath near Loughinisland after several teenagers were struck by a car last week.

Up to eight teenagers were walking along the Loughinisland Road from Brennan’s towards the village at around 7.15pm on Monday night when they were struck from behind by a car. Three of the youths required hospital treatment for their injuries although their injuries are not believed to be serious.

However, local councillor Patsy Toman believes the time has come for a footpath to be provided for the “many people” who walk the road.

“It is purely by chance there

was not a tragedy in Loughinisland last Monday,” he said. “One or more of these young people could have been killed or seriously injured in what was a very serious traffic accident.

“In recent years this road has become very busy for pedestrians. There are many schoolchildren who walk from the village to Brennan’s to catch their school buses and then walk home again in the evening.

“It is a narrow road for the amount of traffic using it and the safety of pedestrians would be greatly enhanced by the creation of a footpath,” said councillor Toman.

He added that Brennan’s store is the only shop in the area and local residents regularly walk the road going to and from the shop.

“Brennan’s is a lifeline for the village but people who have to walk on the road, especially with the dark evenings coming in, are at risk because there is no footpath.

“I would hope the Roads Service will give consideration to providing a footpath as soon as possible,” he added.