Residents rally against 30-plus road '˜defects'

Stradowen Driver residents are 100% behind the bid to have the road resfurfaced. INLS 08-705-CON

Residents of Stradowen Drive are totally behind the campaign to have TranportNI carry out the work. It is one a number of initiatives they are pursuing under the auspices of Enagh Youth Forum and the Strathfoyle Community Empowerment Project.

Paul Hughes, Community Empowerment worker, said: “One major issue recently identified by local residents is the current urgent need for a road re-surfacing scheme for Stradowen Drive.

“Presently TransportNI have already identified 30-plus defects with the road surface but residents are keen to see the full road in Stradowen Drive re-surfaced instead of a patchwork solution which has been the precedent here in Strathfoyle.

30-plus 'defects' have been identified. INLS 08-706-CON STRA

“It has been well over a decade since the road surface was last upgraded and it is long over due.

“To date we have just received an acknowledgement from TransportNI who say they will respond to us by March 3rd. One hundred per-cent of all local residents in Stradowen Drive are calling for the street road to be resurfaced. Over 60 households.”

Traffic calming measures are also on the agenda for the group.

Mr Hughes continued: “A group of young parents who also reside in Stradowen Drive are also calling for improved safety features on the road such as the introduction of ‘speed bumps’ to improve safety in general.”

Enhanced road safety is also sought by parents with young families. INLS 08-707-CON

The Sentinel contacted the Department for Infrastructure for a response but at time of going to press none had been received.

Mr Hughes went on to outline further plans via the Strathfoyle Community Empowerment Project.

“Work is currently ongoing in relation to the Strathfoyle Play Park and we look forward to its opening in Summer 2017. We are also campaigning for changing room provision at Enagh Lough and are calling for the full extension of the Waterside Greenway out to Strathfoyle!

“This is about local people holding people to account and urging statutory bodies to address what has been a historic legacy of neglect of our rural community. We have been vocal in recent weeks in helping to shape the Faughan Community Plan.”