New road and parking layouts at Henrietta Street in the Long Tower area of Derry will “make it a lot safer” for both pedestrians and motorists, a local councillor has said.
Sinn Féin Councillor Patricia Logue said the new arrangements have been put in place at an “exciting time” for the Long Tower area with the upcoming opening of the £1.6 million Aras Colmcille heritage centre.
Cllr Logue said: “There have been problems for some time with access around Henrietta Street which has directly affected residents living in Long Tower Court and parishioners of St Columba’s Church.
“We carried out a survey of local people to see what they thought would be the best option to resolve the ongoing problems there with traffic congestion, parking and safety of residents and children in the area going to local schools.
“The overwhelming majority of residents surveyed backed the option of a new lay out of the road with parking on one side of road, double yellow lines on the other with a new footpath.
“Hopefully, this will address residents’ concerns and make it a lot safer for pedestrians and motorist.”
Cllr Logue said it was “great” the work was taking place in time for the opening of the Aras Colmcille heritage centre.
She added: “The Aras Colmcille Trust was set up in 2002 to oversee and secure funding for the project to restore the listed school building and to create the heritage and interpretation centre.”
The £1.6 million project is funded and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Derry City Council.
Cllr Logue revealed she was alsoalso speaking to Derry City Council to see if Oak trees could be planted between the “House in the Wells” and St Columb’s Wells to reflect the rich history of the area and complement the work going on at the heritage centre.
Notes
Henrietta Street runs beside the Long Tower primary school and is an access point for St Columba’s Chapel.