Heading welcomes progress on Mount Eagles bus dispute

The dispute escalated in recent times when buses were blocked from travelling through the estate.

Mr Heading said dialogue through independently chaired talks was to be welcomed. “I welcome movement on the issue that should appease the rightly-held concerns residents have and also continue to provide a much needed public service to the people of the area,” he said.

“It has been recommended that buses do not enter the estate but stop at the first roundabout, the square to be made one-way to appease concerns local people have over the buses and a speed monitor to be erected. These recommendations will be put to the local people.

“Translink has accepted that it requires community consent over these very important issues and that’s to be welcomed.

“I would like to thank the independent chair of the process, Dr John Barry of Queen’s University, who proved to be a very worthwhile facilitator in getting these issues to the fore.

“I hope that this is the step in the right direction to getting the right balance between alleviating any safety concerns and continuing to facilitate public transport users in the area,” concluded Mr Heading.