Bridge ruling welcomed

After an additional two-day adjournment, District Judge Rodgers ruled that the Green Road connecting Glenshane Road with Ardmore Road, was indeed a public right of way, and found in favour of the Plaintiff in the case, Derry City Council.

Among those pleased with the ruling was 82-year-old Bobby Brolly who served as secretary at Ardmore Cricket Club for 40 years before retiring six years ago, who said that the ruling was "what we expected to happen".

"We were always hoping for this outcome and things are now, hopefully, back to normal and we can all walk down to the Cricket Club instead of using a car.

"I'm 82 years of age and I don't drive too much any more, so it is a relief to me personally, a big relief, that I can walk and not rely on transport," he said.

Mr Brolly said the closure of the Green Road and bridge had "upset everybody" as people had been able to walk down to the River Faughan, adding that it was "a favourite walk" for many, and the route was also used for those making the journey to and from Drumahoe.

Current chairman of the Cricket Club, Dermot Ward, said that Cricket Club members were "over the moon".

"We are once again now able to access the club more easily as are visiting teams that come to our club. This makes it a lot more easily accessed for those travelling by car. Previously it meant a detour of a mile-and-a-half to two miles to access the club coming from The Cross side, so we are very pleased," he said, adding: "Hopefully it will last a long time.

"The ruling means everyone from fishermen and local people and businesses to farmers, walkers and the emergency services can get to the village more easily."