Sinking footpath sparks appeals for quick action

Sinking footpath sparks appeals for quick action

4 May 2016

A SITE meeting is being arranged to discuss a subsidence issue outside a Downpatrick restaurant.

Safety barriers have had to be erected at Norma J’s restaurant at the Eclipse cinema complex to keep the public away from a paved area which is sinking.

Councillor William Walker, who inspected the footpath last week, is arranging a meeting between the complex owners and Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials. He said it is important the footpath at the entrance to the restaurant is repaired as soon as possible.

Councillor Walker said he has been in discussions with restaurant owner William Savage who has confirmed the sinking path is impacting on trade and that a number of storm drains at the property have also been affected by subsidence.

“The footpath has sunk quite considerably and poses a danger to the public, that is why barriers have been erected to keep people away from this particular area,” explained councillor Walker.

“I share Mr Savage’s concerns and am arranging a meeting between those responsible for the site and officials from the local council’s building control department. It is important this issue is resolved as quickly as possible to ensure the jobs of the people who work at the restaurant are not put at risk.”

Councillor Walker said he believes council officials need to inspect the sinking path as it poses a threat to the health and safety of people visiting the cinema complex which went into administration in 2013. He said while the footpath has been relaid on three occasions it continues to sink.

“The barriers were erected last November and Mr Savage is concerned the issue has not yet been addressed. He employs 20 full and part-time staff and it is important for them that the path is repaired so the restaurant can fully function again. There is a concern that when people see safety barriers they think the premises are closed when this is not in fact the case,” he continued.

Councillor Walker said it is his understanding the path is continuing to sink and hopes the site meeting he is arranging will identify the source of the problem and pave the way for immediate repairs to be carried out.

He added: “This issue has been ongoing for some 18 months and there needs to be an immediate resolution. Getting all the parties together is crucial in order that steps can be taken to repair this path.

“The restaurant is located in a very busy cinema complex and I believe it is in everyone’s interest to conclude this matter as soon as possible. My fear would be that unless action is taken now, the problem will only get worse.”