Walkway development welcome

WELL done to all involved in upgrading the pedestrian walk linking the Avenue Road and Dublin Road that runs behind Hill Street houses.

The work which had been interrupted by the lockdown was complete recently and is a badly needed amenity in that area.

In addition to a new tarmac surface, lighting which was badly needed for safety reasons, and street furniture, as well as fencing at the rear of the old Mourneview Garage, have all been provided.

The walk is a popular route for many, especially students, making their way to retail outlets and the town centre.

The priority now for the council is to try and encourage the owners of the vacant site between the walk and the Dublin Road to develop that area which has been an eyesore for years.

Various developments were planned for the area over the years, but none ever materialised, and while the council’s resources might be hard pressed in these Covid-19 related times, they should be looking at the site as an ideal location for an assisted dwelling complex for the elderly in the future.