Where was the SDLP for Ballynahinch road?

SIR, — Last week I had the pleasure of being at Stormont for a debate on the proposed Ballynahinch by-pass.

It was a crucial meeting and I’m delighted that Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy formally confirmed the route of the by-pass linking the Belfast and Newcastle roads.

This is a crucial development and will not only address town centre traffic congestion, but greatly assist with the town’s economic development.

With the route of the by-pass now confirmed, is essential funding for the project is identified.

I hope that some of the cash set aside for the proposed A5 road upgrade in the west of the Province — which now faces a major delay — can be reallocated to finance the Ballynahinch proposal.

Local politicians and, more crucially, the Roads Service, are fully behind the by-pass proposal and it’s now more important than ever that lobbying continues to secure the cash needed to finance its construction.

Given that last week’s Stormont debate was of major significance, I was disappointed that no one from the SDLP was in the chamber to take part in the debate.

A large section of Ballynahinch is now contained within the Strangford Westminster constituency, but the route of the proposed by-pass also includes part of South Down.

My party colleague Simon Hamilton secured last week’s debate on the by-pass and I find it very puzzling that no senior representatives from the SDLP were in attendance.

Has the SDLP given up on Ballynahinch? Given that none of the party’s representatives took part in last week’s debate and I wonder what message this sends to its voters in not only Ballynahinch but the wider South Down area, many of whom who have to fight their way through the town each morning and evening going to and from work?

Assembly members responded positively during last week’s Stormont debate, with the DUP, UUP, Alliance and Sinn Fein making important contributions. The only absentee was the SDLP. Perhaps the party could explain to its voters why?

Yours etc.,

CLLR. BILLY WALKER,

Killyleagh.