‘Money needs to be spent on Moneymore roads’

Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Kelly said as an elected representative he feels that roads in the Cookstown District have been neglected with the result that they have fallen into disrepair. Particularly bad, he said, are Bridger Street in Moneymore, as well as the Magherafelt Road heading out of the village and a number of rural roads in the Ballinderry ward.

“We meet regularly with Roads Service to express our concerns about any issues that arise but as an elected representative, we feel the Cookstown district is being neglected,” said Cllr Kelly.

“I just wish the Roads Service would concentrate on the roads in rural areas. I don’t honestly think it would cost that much money to carry out repairs.”

Cllr Kelly referred to the area of Bridger Street toward Moneymore village as well as the Magherafelt Road in the vicinity of Fairlea Heights which, he said, is prone to flooding when inclement weather strikes.

“Very often we’re told by Roads Service that there is no money available, and this is frustrating,” he added. “I want to make it clear to my constituents that we can complain and complain but if they (Roads Service) do not carry out the repairs, then we are the ones with egg on our faces,” said Cllr Kelly.

Recently the Mail surveyed Urbal Lane in Coagh which had experienced subsidence and was riddled with potholes, making the surface hazardous for drivers and walkers.

A spokesperson for the DRD said Roads Service has resurfaced and strengthened a number of roads in the Ballinderry area this financial year. These include Mullanahoe Road, Moss Road, Mourneview, Ardagh Road, Ballyblagh Road, Carnan Road, Bank Lane, Hannafar Road, Shankey Road, Dunronan Road, Gortagilly Road, Druminard Road, Cloneen Drive, Tullaghbeg Road, Mullan Road and Drumad Road. Last July, the Moneyhaw Road suffered from the high temperatures and the melting surface was treated.

“Our programme for the following year will be decided upon for the May meeting with the local council. Bridger Street will be considered along with other schemes in due course. All proposed schemes depend on funding,” said a spokesperson.

Recent figures from the World Economic Forum show the UK dropping to 28th place for the quality of roads, putting it on a par with Namibia.