Work begins on Strabane Cemetery Road resurfacing

WORK on a resurfacing scheme on the pothole-riddled road leading to Strabane Cemetery is underway.

Construction workers were on-site from Monday this week to begin the long-awaited work with a one-way system in operation to allow visitors access to the grounds.

In recent months the road - just off Townsend Street - has drawn the ire of locals and politicians alike.

Minor improvement works have been carried out over the years, but the entire stretch has proven problematic for pedestrians and motorists.

The depth of the potholes has also been worsened during spells of adverse weather.

Local politicians had lobbied the council to undertake the work amid reports of people having fallen due to the state of the road.

Ahead of Cemetery Sunday earlier this month, temporary repairs had been carried out ahead of the substantive scheme.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that work is now underway.

"Visitors to Strabane Cemetery should note that there will be some disruption to access with resurfacing work to the approach road," the spokesperson said.

"The work will be ongoing all next week but a one-way traffic system will be in place to help keep disruption to a minimum.

"We appreciate your patience while this vital work is being completed."

Welcoming the work, Sperrin SDLP councillor, Jason Barr commented: "The Strabane Cemetery Road will be fully resurfaced this week.

"Thanks to all those who got in touch with the SDLP and myself about getting this resolved.

"I'm sure this will be great news to many who use this road on a daily basis to come and visit their loved ones."

Councillor Barr added that the one-way traffic system in place will help minimise disruption.

Sinn Féin councillor, Brian Harte, who has also lobbied for the work alongside outgoing councillor, Michaela Boyle, also welcomed work to remedy the "increasingly potholed and disintegrating state" of the road.