Estates’ maintenance to be clarified in colour

Ballymena Borough Council is hoping to clear up the confusion of which statutory body is responsible for what when it comes to maintenance of estates including Ballee and Ballykeel.

The method, which was proposed almost two years ago by Alderman Martin Clarke, is by drawing up colour coded maps for each housing area, showing clearly who is responsible for what.

Giving a progress report on the matter at Thursday night’s planning committee, Council planning control officer Trevor Kyle revealed that maps are partly prepared and currently include areas which Council maintain.

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He said that Northern Ireland Housing Executive had confirmed ownership of certain areas but were not prepared “to exchange that information across third parties”.

“However, if there are any concerns about an area they will tell us immediately if they own it,” said Mr Kyle.

He added that Roads Service had also been contacted but had not yet responded.

Alderman Clarke said he was “disappointed” at the progress which had been made since he raised the idea some two years previously.

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The Alderman said he had initially mooted a colour-coded map for Ballykeel but said such a resource could be used for estates throughout the borough.

Supporting that view, Cllr Roy Gillespie said trying to identify land ownership/responsibility was a widespread problem and suggested that NIHE be approached again to get on board.

Cllr Declan O’Loan said: “I am amazed at what we are hearing. Where does community planning sit if you can’t get an answer on this sort of thing?”

Cllr Paul Maguire said colour-coded mapping for estates’ maintenance “will be a very, very valuable resource for councillors”.

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“This will end the blame game of who owns what. Rather than having to ring round all the statutory agencies, you look at the map,” he said.

Alderman Clarke said Council had to push forward with the project.

“We need to go to the highest level in the Housing Executive on this and if needs be the minister in charge of housing.”

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