Lack of street lights posing risk to walkers says councillor

Sinn Féin Councillor Donal McPeake has joined with party colleague Emma Sheerin MLA in demanding a solution at the Magherafelt Road.

Cllr McPeake said: “I’ve had contact from walkers and cyclists who have been navigating the path after dusk and found themselves collide with the bollards that are dotted along the route, purely because they couldn’t see them.

“This year we have all seen more than ever how vital getting outside is for both physical and mental health.”

He continued: “However, at these points between towns where there is a busy main road beside the path, and lots of road users, lighting is vital, particularly from September to Easter when the nights are darker quicker, but even in the summer months as people take advantage of warmer temperatures and head out later in the evening.”

Local MLA Ms Sheerin added: “I have written to both divisional managers and Minister Mallon about this site as well as the stretch of road between Straw and Draperstown, where I have also been told that lights cannot be installed.

“Nichola Mallon has refused to reconsider the criteria and is adamant that no lights will be installed at either site, but I have requested a site visit and hope that we can come to some other solution.”

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