Protest over Diamond path access

Portstewart Community Vision (PCV) has organised the event to highlight what they call the “daily hazard” residents face when trying to negotiate the footpath.

“The Roads section of the Department of Regional Development gave permission for the erection of the ‘structural support’ in September 2008 to facilitate the building of a new boutique hotel at that corner,” said Yvonne Hamilton of PCV.

“Although the support was certainly needed in the early stages of the building when only the faade existed, that time is long past.

“The building has been stable for a considerable time and any scaffolding required for external finishing need only be of the type used with a protected footpath underneath.

“However, it would appear that either the permission was not time limited or that the department is unable or unwilling to take appropriate action to reinstate the footpath.

“This dangerous situation on a main bus route has been allowed for far too long.

It has always been a difficult corner for pedestrians but with the footpath out of use the walk from the Coleraine Road area requires two separate crossings with traffic approaching from all direction, where no need for any crossing of roads should exist.

“Locals welcome the provision of a new hotel but have run out of patience with the daily hazard presented by the scaffolding.”

The protest will take place in the Diamond this Friday (May 21) between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

PCV have asked that “all those who have been inconvenienced and put at risk by the present situation will come with their placards in an effort to have the footpath reinstated”.