Lindara resident calls for change in laws

Tommy Cooke spoke out after another resident claimed the unfinished road was causing injuries and vehicle damage.

He told the Times: “There are two private roads in this development. The site is not completed, yet we pay a maintenance charge of £100 a year. I have tried all channels and argued with the DRD, councillors and MLAs. In the Republic no developer can build without putting roads in first. It’s a disgrace.”

Lindara Park was built by developers EASSDA, who went into administration. Despite Minister Danny Kennedy instructing the DRD to complete work using a road bond, two sections classed as ‘private’ were excluded.

Tommy continued: “Those in charge of making laws and should never allow developers to put private roads on a housing estate.

“My sister fell down a manhole and was lucky she didn’t break her leg. My neighbour nearly ripped the subframe off her car.”

A DRD spokesperson stated: “These two sections of road are ‘private drives’ and are not covered by the Private Streets Order. These particular roads were not identified or determined for adoption at the planning stage and hence there was no bond of financial surety to cover these roads. All the estate roads covered by the Private Streets Legislation were upgraded to a standard suitable for adoption by the Department. The bulk of this work was completed by November 2013.”