Ballykeel path ‘will be safer’

Works have been carried out on Crebilly Road which will soothe the worries of local parents who feared a tragic accident could occur on the busy route as their children were walking past the community centre on their way to and from school.

The issue was raised with DoE by local councilor Martin Clarke after he received strong representations from the Ballykeel Together Community Association.

The councillor explained: “The pathway was very close to the main highway just at the point where it passes the centre and local people had genuine fears that a child could fall into the roadway which is used extensively by larger lorries and busses.

“We set up a site meeting with the DoE to explain our concerns and they agreed to bring the path in about one metre from the edge of the road. A grass strip between the footpath and the road edge has also been put in place and that is in keeping with the rest of the road.”

With the works now complete just in time for the start of the new school term, Cllr. Clarke said that local people were ‘absolutely delighted’ with the results.

“The DoE said they would try their best to have the job done before schools returned for the autumn term and they have kept their word.

“On behalf of everyone in the area and especially the people involved in Ballykeel Together, I’d like to thank thgem for listening to us and taking these actions,” added the DUP councillor.