Calming measures for Point Road demanded

Cllr Butcher said: "I was contacted by angry residents after an accident last Sunday when a car crashed through the hazard sign at the Lower Drummonds corner. This is a 45 degree turn and strangers to the area do not have sufficient warning of the danger. We have lost count of the number of times this has happened usually due to speeding. A local woman told me after a car just missed her by inches when out walking she is now terrified to let her grandchildren out of the house. When they visit they are hostages in the house.

"Road safety is a very sensitive issue in Magilligan. Only a few weeks ago a young mother of four miraculously escaped serious injury when she was the victim of a hit and run incident in broad daylight."

A total of sixteen lives have now been lost due to Road Traffic Accidents in living memory in the parish. And Cllr Butcher maintains that parts of the Seacoast Road and the entire length of Point Road is so narrow that there is barely enough room for two vehicles to pass safely if one has to give way to a pedestrian or cyclist. For this reason the type of road user killed has included pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, driver and passenger.

"After the death of a young man in 2001 the community united in a high profile campaign to improve the footpath infrastructure throughout Magilligan. After fighting for almost four years we eventually succeeded. Road Services made the case that they never could afford to provide a footpath from Swans Bridge to Benone in one go but would fill in the jigsaw piece by piece.

"I accepted that proposal and must give credit where credit is due. Road Services have included Magilligan in their minor works schedule every year for the last five years. In year one they provided a path with street lights from the Spar to the church. Year two from Benone to Cooley's bar and restaurant, then from the main road to St Aidan's Primary School. That work was unacceptable to local residents as it left the road too narrow so the following year they had to replace it. In the last financial year they replaced the old path and filled in the gaps from Swans Bridge to Scotchtown Road. They also provide flashing hazard lights and red marking on the road outside both St Anthony's PS and Magilligan PS. In the current financial year Road Services have budgeted to erect improved warning signs at the speed limit signs.

"Sinn Fin made an election manifesto pledge five years ago that we would continue to lobby every year to ensure that the Magilligan road safety project continues. To date Sinn Fin has delivered but we will not rest until the job is done no matter how long it takes," continued Cllr Butcher

"However Point Road must now be given urgent priority attention after this most recent incident and I will be raising the issue both with Limavady District Policing Partnership and Road Services. Local residents are demanding improved traffic calming measures such as hazard flashing lights approaching Lower Drummonds corner, speed ramps and a speed camera. Point Road is now one of the busiest in the area with traffic travelling to the Point Bar, one of the most popular restaurants in the North West, the Foyle Ferry, the prison and the MOD camp. The volume will also increase as this week Limavady council approved a proposal to develop the ferry ticket office into an aviation museum and tourism centre.

"Point Road was built for pony and traps not high volume traffic often travelling at speed. The residents are living in fear of their lives."