Alliance MLA for East Belfast, Chris Lyttle, has welcomed news that resurfacing of the Sydenham Bypass is to start soon.

Chris Lyttle said: “The Sydenham Bypass is one of the busiest routes in Northern Ireland carrying people to and from the City Airport and the North Down area. I welcome the announcement that the £400,000 improvement works are due to start soon, but I would call on Minister Mallon to give assurances that much needed improvements will also be carried out on the cycle lanes.

“We need to do everything possible to encourage people to use sustainable transport as much as possible, and as there is already a designated cycle lane it makes sense to ensure people are able to use it safely.

“There have also been suggestions of the development of a greenway between Sydenham and North Down. We have seen how popular these are in other areas of Belfast, so now is the time to start planning to provide a greenway in this busy area.”