NIHE meet Clarke to discuss resolution to Linkside Park roadway
Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has met with Northern Ireland Housing Executive and DRD Roads officials to discuss repairing and adopting a piece of unadopted roadway and footpath leading from No.9 to 12 Linkside Park in Newcastle. Councillor Patrick Clarke was contacted by local residents who were unaware until investigations took place that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive actually owned the stretch of unadopted roadway.
Speaking to Newry Times, Councillor Patrick Clarke stated: “For a number of years the ownership of the stretch of unadopted roadway fronting 9 – 12 Linkside Park in Newcastle was unknown, with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive stating that it was not in their ownership. Following further investigation by myself with both Down District Council and DRD Roads Service – both of which confirmed it was not their responsibility – I again requested the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to carry out another land search. Subsequently their Land & Property finally department confirmed to me in March that the roadway was actually in NIHE ownership.”
“Part of the present unadopted roadway whilst owned by the NIHE,” Clarke continued, “has never been maintained and has over the years fallen into a serious state of disrepair with poor roads surface, potholes and water lying during heavy rain. Many years ago the owners of 9-12 Linkside Park constructed a roadway fronting their properties due to the NIHE disputing ownership of the land. The roadway was not up to adoption standard at that time and the NIHE was advised not to maintain it, leaving local residents to have to patch and carry out minor repairs. Unfortunately the stretch of roadway fronting 9 -12 Linkside Park has deteriorated quite considerably and would cost thousands of pounds to even repair to a safe and acceptable standard.”
He added, “Following a site meeting on Wednesday 25th April an official from the NIHE has now agreed to investigate costing a minor works road repair scheme to bring the roadway and footpath up to DRD Roads standard for future adoption.”
“I have been advised that the NIHE will now carry out a site survey with costings to upgrade the roadway and footpath and will make a business case to secure financial funding in the future to complete the necessary works to bring the roadway and footpath up to DRD Roads Service adoption standard.”
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=12168