Council picks up bill for wall repairs at private housing development

At a meeting last August, councillors were informed that the wall at the entrance to the Sherwood development, just off Ballyhenry Road, was extensively damaged when it was hit by a drink-driver in the summer of 2013.

With residents unable to recover the costs needed to carry out repairs from the driver or the developer, they approached the council asking for assistance.

Some councillors expressed concerns that such a move could “set a precedent that could cost the council dearly in years to come.”

But after taking legal advice, the local authority decided to pay for the wall at Oakfern to be rebuilt.

The council has confirmed that the bill for the repair work, which was carried out earlier this week, will be £665 plus VAT.

“The council’s decision to repair the wall was taken on the basis that it does not own the wall and will not be accepting any ongoing responsibility for maintenance or future repairs,” a spokesperson said.

The move to carry out the repairs has been welcomed by local politicians for the area, including DUP Councillor Phillip Brett and Alliance representatives David Ford MLA and Alderman John Blair.