Castlereagh Alliance Councillor Michael Long has welcomed news from Roads
Service that they are to consider providing a footway along the Church Road between Marlborough Heights and Manse Road but has expressed disappointment at the decision not to provide flashing amber warning lights at Loughview Integrated Primary on the same stretch of road.
Cllr. Long said, “Over the past few years, I have lobbied for safety improvements on Church Road which has 2 schools along its length as well as a church with halls and many residential properties.
“I am therefore pleased that Roads Service is going to carry out a survey to assess the need for a footway along Church Road, which would improve safety for pedestrians on the narrow and twisting upper section of the road, in particular.
“I am nevertheless very disappointed by the negative response to my request for flashing amber warning lights on the approaches to Loughview Primary School. The road has a 60mph speed limit, and the lights would give motorists additional warning of school related traffic and pedestrians, and would encourage caution as they approach the school.
“I will continue to press for a positive outcome on the footway assessment, but I will also be continuing to lobby Roads Service for other improvements, such as a reduction in the speed limit along the length of Church Road and the installation of traffic calming measures at the lower end of the road near Lead Hill Primary School, to ensure that the road conditions are as safe as possible for school children in the area.”