Bridge could come tumbling down?

Two years ago, Sustrans' Connect2 won the TV vote to bring 50million from the Big Lottery Fund to 79 communities across the UK - including Ballymoney - to create networks for everyday journeys for people travelling by foot or bike.

Ballymoney successfully secured Lottery funding of 350,000 on the basis that three other bodies would contribute - BBC/NIEA (280,000), Roads Service (40,000) and Translink (350,000). However making a presentation to Ballymoney Borough Council last Monday, Area Manager Northern Ireland Sustrans, Claire Pollock revealed that Translink still hadn't confirmed its funding contribution.

She explained that Translink had included the bridge, which will connect the expanding community in the south to the town centre including access to the station, Riverside Park, local schools and the sports centre, in their capital programme for 2010/11. However it was believed further budget cuts were expected which could result in the project not being funded.

The new bridge at the station will mean the removal of a dangerous, unmanned crossing so that pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and parents with prams or buggies would have a safer means to cross the tracks and access the local facilities. This bridge and its connecting network of paths will effectively link the north and the south of the town for journeys by foot and bike.

Sustrans and their Connect2 partners - Translink and Ballymoney Borough Council - have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2009 to commit funding to this project.

In response Cllr John Finlay said: "This is a great scheme and it would be terrible if Translink did not give the money. Sure if they came in and signed up they have to continue? I propose we write to the Minister to encourage payment."

Answering a question from Cllr James Simpson over the Lottery funding and time scale, Ms Pollock explained that they 'couldn't spend any of the money until Translink confirmed'.

She continued: "The money also has to be spent by 2012 which is only three years. It would be very worthwhile for council to try to encourage Translink."

Offering his support to Translink staff, Director of Borough Services, Mr John Michael explained: "All partners have worked diligently on the project including Translink. And everyone wants to move forward with it, however there are bigger people talking and a decision hasn't been made yet.

"I do not have a problem with trying to encourage Translink to come forward with the money but I don't want to give the impression that they haven't worked hard or with us on the project.

"Timing is obviously the issue now and 2010 is a critical year as to if this project moves forward or not."

Mayor Frank Campbell reinforced that Translink have been supportive.

It was agreed to write an encouragement letter to the Minister.