Having your say on roadworks

It has been a real talking point among the town's folk.

Our office has been inundated with calls, emails and texts on the multi-million pound public realm works.

Many have complained about the congestion which had added to the rush hour struggle.

Others have said they have been left uninformed on the exact nature of the works.

Joan, a Lurgan pensioner said she was baffled: "I would love someone to tell me what exactly is going on.

"If we are going to lose parking spaces it will be devastating for the town.

"It doesn't look like they have even considered where the buses are going to go - which doesn't make sense.

"People need somewhere to park for ease of access to the shops - it may look pretty in the town, but who's going to see it if there are no more shops."

A local office worker said: "I remember when they carried out similar work in Lurgan about 15 or so years ago.

"People were against it then and it turned out ok.

"I would wait until the work is completed to see what it is going to look like in the end.

"It may really be to the benefit of the town."

Ambrose Smyth was 'fed-up' looking at the work going on in the town, he said: "The traders really deserve a medal.

"I do not understand how they survive. Do those that are planning this not understand we are in the middle of a recession and people are struggling to rub two bits together.

"What Lurgan needs is a shopping centre, somewhere for people to meet up for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee - inside.

"Putting benches in the middle of the street is thinking continental - but we do not have the weather for that.

"And why are they putting in these wide pavements - are they going to parachute people in to walk them."

Mr O'Hagan was forthright in his opinion: "It's a disgrace, they think making big footpaths will bring millions of pounds to Lurgan, I think it will have the opposite effect."

On the wider issue he pointed to other roadworks going on around town and at Craigavon - with resurfacing work at Lake Road: "It's the second time in three years, why is that needed?"

Lismore's 'lolly-pop' man also got a touch: "He'll let 300 schoolchildren pass before he lets a car through." (sorry dad - ED).

Ambrose was so taken by the town's constant road works and traffic queues that he was inspired to pen a poem.

And the 'MAIL' can bring you the first verse:

In the year of our lord

Two thousand and ten, there appeared mechanical diggers,

Driven by enthusiastic men.

Soon great holes in the streets everywhere,

Deep and shallow, round and square.

Is it a hole digging contest?

No one seems to care.