Wheels back in motion at new bus facility site

Local people and politicians had expressed concern after work at the site appeared to draw to a complete stop.

There appeared to be no activity on the site over the past three weeks, however a Translink spokesperson has said the delay was due to ‘unforeseen obstacles within the ground during the excavation works’.

“Some redesign work was required to foundations and canopies,” the spokesperson continued.

“We would like to reassure the public that the work has recommenced onsite.”

MLA Stephen Moutray has hit out at the delay in works at the new facility.

“This is the latest saga in this long awaited and much needed facility. It has been an extremely drawn out process and this is the latest problem faced by Translink and their attempts to get this facility operational.

“It is utterly unacceptable that work should cease at this critical stage in the process. Translink need to save face and deliver this facility for the people of Banbridge within the timescales set out.

“No work means no delivery for the people and I find this to be an unacceptable situation.

“Translink have intimated that it is due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ when the digging commenced and that the three weeks has been very much focused on re-design.

“It is hard to fathom how after many months, indeed years of planning and preparation that this latest find has caused a three week delay.

“I will be meeting the relevant people in this regard and ensuring that there is a concerted effort to deliver for the people of Banbridge.”

MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said: “I requested an update from Translink last month and was informed that the works remained on schedule for delivery in spring next year.

“This is a good news story for the people and businesses of Banbridge and I am delighted to hear that the unforeseen delays are now behind them and that works have recommenced,” she added.