'People power' lauded as the council scores bridge victory

The Council had, in pursuit of its statutory obligations, asserted a public right of way at Green Road, Ardmore and Lismacarol. This asserted public right of way traverses land in the ownership of two parties. One of these landowners had no issue with the assertion of the public right of way. However, the other landowner had objected. Accordingly, the Council in pursuit of its statutory obligations said it had no alternative but to ask the court to declare that the right of way, as asserted, is a public right of way.

People in the Drumahoe and Ardmore areas wanted the road to remain open, amid claims that closing it would physically divide the communities.

DUP MLA William Hay said he was delighted at the court victory.

He also praised the campaigners, adding: "Every cause needs a champion and the Chambers family, I felt has helped lead the way to secure this particular bridge as a right of way. But in general it is people power that has won the day because it convinced Derry City Council to get involved. I would praise everyone who campaigned for this; it's a huge success story. This is more than just a bridge, it's even more than a right of way, it's part of the history of the area and part of the community.

"Speaking to many people in Drumahoe who contacted me for support, this was a well deserved win."

Councillor Brenda Stevenson of the SDLP, who lobbied heavily to assert a right of way at Bleach Green described the judgment as a "win win situation for everyone involved."

Speaking to the Sentinel she said: "Obviously we are delighted about the decision. When it was brought to our attention that the road at Bleach Green had been closed, the SDLP took a stand on this to get a policy put in place to establish a right of way asserted. And, we are delighted it has been granted.

"This solves a lot of problems for people at Drumahoe, Ardmore, and allows the fishermen access to the Faughan."

Councillor Stevenson said the move was also a highly symbolic one: "In these days when we are trying to build bridges, it is very symbolic that this historic old bridge will be re-opened allowing a link between both communities."

Speaking on the ruling a spokesperson for Derry City Council said, "We are happy with today's judgment and are pleased that the judge has confirmed our assertion of a public way at Green Road. This is good news for those who live in the area and Council will continue with plans for improving greater countryside access."

Sinn Fein Councillor for the rural ward Paul Fleming said: "This is a very important access point for local people and will be widely welcomed in the greater Ardmore community. I would like to congratulate Derry City Council for taking forward this case and all those who have campaigned on this issue."