‘Long-overdue’ improvements in Saintfield street welcomed

21 February 2024

A LOCAL councillor has welcomed the “long-overdue” improvements to Saintfield’s Main Street.

Councillor Callum Bowsie said he is pleased that the work will begin in the coming weeks after a contractor was recently appointed.

It was announced in July last year that Saintfield would receive funding in the region of £500,000 as part of an Environmental Improvement Scheme.

The investment will upgrade footpath surfaces from the square to the Lisburn Road roundabout with new heritage style lighting in Comber Street square. There are plans to underground some electric cables.

"I'm pleased to learn that work to improve the main street will commence in the coming weeks,” said Bowsie.

“A contractor has now been appointed and the long-overdue improvements to the footpaths will begin very soon.”

Bowsie added: “The granite kerbing and cobbles on the footpath will also be reinstated.

In doing so, I have requested that these works make the footpaths in the village more wheelchair-friendly. I've been assured that the road will also soon get resurfaced too.”

Former Rowallane councillor, Robert Burgess, is delighted with the planned improvement work.

He was previously involved in discussions about the scheme which, he said, will make a real difference.

“This investment is very much to be welcomed and will have a positive impact on the town’s Main Street. This is a signifcant investment and thanks to everyone who has made this happen,” said Mr Burgess.

The former councillor has also appealed to the Department for Infrastructure to repair a number of potholes at Main Street.

“I am particularly concerned about one at the pedestrian crossing which poses a real danger to those out walking. Leaving it the way it is for any longer is simply not an option,” he said.

“Given the danger it poses to pedestrians it must be repaired as soon as possible and I hope roads officials will ensure this happens.”

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