Naomi Long's Response: Threat to Comber Greenway

The response below is in response to an email sent to Naomi Long by one of our users, in order that he, as a local representative might represent their views in the consultation.

Thank you for your e-mail. As you will probably be aware I have worked hard with Sustrans and the Council in both Belfast and Castlereagh to support, maintain and develop the Comber Greenway as an off-road walking and cycling route over recent years. I also attended the recent public meeting about the proposals to listen to the concerns of those who use it for walking and cycling.

I believe that there is considerable merit in the path as it stands, and its further development. Whilst we had previously been reassured that there would be room for walking and cycling paths to coexist with any rapid transit proposal, I am not convinced that this forms part of the proposal which is currently being considered, or indeed that it would be possible with a bus based system.

I personally believe that the need for rapid transit in Belfast and beyond to the commuter zones of Comber/Newtownards and Dundonald would be better served by light rail than the proposed guided bus way. Furthermore, I feel that such a scheme should use existing road corridors rather than the old rail corridor, as the loss of a lane to traffic would further encourage people to use public transport. It would also ensure that the transport passed through the main areas of population making its success more likely.

Undoubtedly, using the rail corridor is the cheaper and more hassle-free option; however, I am not convinced that it will be best for the environment or for diversification of sustainable transport options within the City.

I will be exploring with the Minister for Regional Development in the next few months the detailed options for provision, to ensure that if they proceed with the use of the Greenway every effort is made to accommodate walkers and cyclists as part of the scheme.

I trust that this is helpful; however, if I can be of assistance with this or any other matter please feel free to contact me.

Editorial

Hooray for Naomi Long! Our editorial rarely favours the Alliance Party but all that is about to change. Naomi is one of a few representatives contacted who appear to have read the email, addressed the concerns raised in the email, undertook to represent the views of the user in the consultation process. She puts those representatives who could not be bothered to respond, to shame! We done Naomi!

Cherryvalley, Knock, Cabin Hill, Gilnahirk Communities, Belfast, Northern Ireland - cherryvalleyvillage.co.uk

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