Campaigners win 40 year battle over pothole hell

Fed-up householder Sean Somerville, who has had to navigate daily through potholes for the past 13 years, said he and his neighbours had been left in limbo.

“We’ve been given the run around time and time again. The DOE informed us the housing estate road belonged to the Housing Executive, who said it belonged to the Housing Association, who denied any responsibility whatsoever.

“For years, our cars have been damaged by the untreated potholes, carers visiting elderly residents have refused to drive into the estate, and ambulance drivers have complained bitterly about the dangerous and uneven road surface.”

Mr Somerville said he was greatly relieved by the council’s promise to mend the road, and thanked local councillors Barry Monteith, Dominic Molloy and Deirdre Varsani for their help over the years.

The situation had left residents with no avenue to seek repairs to the road or footpaths at their homes.

Independent Republican Councillor Barry Montieth said: “I have highlighted the resident’s plight on many occasions over the years. Finally now there is light at the end of the tunnel. I pay tribute to the residents of the area past and present for never giving up and thankfully their hard work has paid off.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Dominic Molloy also hailed the news as long overdue. “I am absolutely delighted that these long suffering residents are finally to have their plight resolved.

“Whilst Curran Terrace is recognised as a very unique case there certainly are other streets and access roads across Mid Ulster that have suffered neglect by the statutory authorities and I hope that in the very near future we can bring about a policy which be able to assist in bringing these up to standard.’