Long dismayed at gritting assessment delay

Castlereagh Central Alliance Councillor Michael Long has expressed his dismay at the delay in Roads Service undertaking an assessment on the Middle Braniel Road to see if it can be added to the gritting schedule. Cllr. Long requested the assessment in August 2010 and has now been informed that it is not yet completed, and he was told that even if approved, any change will not take place until the next gritting season in the winter of 2011.

Cllr. Long said: “A number of concerned residents had asked me if the Middle Braniel Road could be added to the gritting schedule following their experiences last winter when they were often trapped in their houses for several days because of the icy road conditions.

“I thought that by making a request in August, any change could be implemented before this gritting season, but I have now been told that it will be next year at the earliest before the road can be added. As a result, residents have faced another frustrating winter of inconvenience with the road having to be closed on a number of occasions in what has been one of the coldest winters on record. In addition, there have been a number of accidents on the road during icy spells and it is clear that this road must be included on the schedule in the interests of safety.

“This delay is really not good enough and I believe that Roads Service should add the road to the schedule for the remainder of this winter and in the future.”

ENDS