Call for pathway to link Artigarvan and Ballymagorry

A LOBBY is underway to have a pathway constructed between Artigarvan and Ballymagorry, a move which locals and politicians alike say will had 'endless positive outcomes'.

The local community group, Brighter Ballymagorry Development Group (BBDG), is spearheading the campaign to have the existing footpaths along the Woodend and Berryhill Roads linked to connect the villages.

The busy route is regularly used by by runners, walkers and school children getting to and from their school buses, but there is no pathway.

Strabane independent councillor, Raymond Barr, is supporting the BBDG's efforts and has formally written to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) on the issue.

"The two villages are separated by approximately three quarters of a mile on the Berryhill Road on which there is no footpath," he said.

"The road is being increasingly used by pedestrians who live along it to access the two shops in the vicinity and also the play parks and bus stop.

"This obviously presents risks to pedestrians and other road users."

Councillor Barr added: "A footpath along this route would have endless positive outcomes for inhabitants of both villages.

"For example, encouraging more people to walk to local destinations such as shops and work etc, foster active community connections and given the fact that health inequalities are higher in Derry City and Strabane District Council area than anywhere else in NI the health benefits, both physical and mental, would be enormous.

"This three quarter of a mile length of footpath would allow a safe walkway from Artigarvan to Ballymagorry, Strabane, Victoria Bridge, Sion Mills and even Lifford in Co Donegal.

The Sperrin representative as asked departmental officials to attend a site meeting alongside members of the Ballymagorry group to assess the potential for a footpath.

Sinn Féin representatives have also written to the DfI asking for consideration to be given to linking up the existing footpaths to link the villages.

Speaking following a meeting with residents, councillor Paul Boggs said: "We understand the road safety concerns that residents along the Woodend Road and Berryhill Road have.

"This is a busy road which is used by runners, walkers and school children getting to and from their school buses."

"Infrastructure such as footpath extensions would create a safer environment for local people, including a local walking group."

"Going forward, it is important that smaller towns and villages are connected, especially in rural areas."

He added: "While this proposal is not a quick solution, it is something we are keen to work on with the Department for Infrastructure and local people to see delivered.

"For now, I would encourage drivers, walkers, runners and cyclists to take extra caution on this road to help improve road safety for everyone."