The closure of the Bridgend exit from Strabane town centre has put lives of local people at risk and added pressure to emergency services, according to local Sperrin SDLP candidate Patrick Leonard.
Mr Leonard was speaking after he said he witnessed an ambulance make a failed attempt to get out of the town centre because of ongoing roadworks.
Mr. Leonard said, “Whilst in town on Saturday afternoon I witnessed large volumes of traffic congestion at every exit from the Strabane town centre.
“The entire town was at a stand still causing frustration for drivers and chaos for visitors, local businesses, taxi drivers but more importantly emergency services.”
“For ten or 15 minutes an ambulance struggled to get out of Strabane town centre, making an attempt to get across the bridge but failed, headed towards the railway road only to be met with severe traffic congestion.
“The road closure of one of strabane’s busiest thoroughfare has now presented life-threatening circumstances, which must be addressed immediately. No footpath is worth putting the lives of local people at risk.”
Mr. Leonard said he would be requesting an immediate meeting with DRD Roads Service and emergency services on this urgent matter.
He added: “I am very much a strong supporter of the redevelopment of Bridge Street but I will not remain silent on this issue when lives are at risk.”
Mr Leonard concluded: “I am calling for roads service to rethink their strategy and reopen this road without further delay.”
