Cllr Neil Kelly said: “This bill suggestion is an important and very welcome proposal. It will provide clear lines of accountability as to who is responsible for gritting footpaths across Northern Ireland. This is greatly needed as we do not want a winter like the one we have just had where people in Antrim were stuck in their homes due to the severe weather conditions. Lack of gritting affected all of us but in particular older people and those with disabilities who are among the most vulnerable within our community. Business in Antrim Town centre also suffered greatly during this time as people were often unable to get to the shops.
“This plan for legislation and indeed the other proposed billd within the document clearly show that the Alliance Party is leading change in Northern Ireland.”
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS
Excerpt from Alliance Legislative Programme about their plans on gritting
Winter Gritting Bill
This Bill would address the current gaps in legislation which does not provide a clear duty on either the Department of Regional Development or District Councils with respect to the gritting of footpaths. This bill would also clarify the laws in relation to the liability faced by the public in clearing or gritting footpaths or roads.