News

25th August 09
8/25/2009

Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA and Jim Nicholson MEP hosted a public meeting in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh on Monday 24 August 2009 and such was the interest that the venue was packed with members of the pu

A5 TRANSPORT CORRIDOR CONSULTATION EVENING HOSTED BY UUP

 

Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA and Jim Nicholson MEP hosted a public meeting in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh on Monday 24 August 2009 and such was the interest that the venue was packed with members of the public and farmers who will be affected by this route.

 

Tom said: “I was delighted by the response from the public and indeed people attended the event from Aughnacloy to Newbuildings and I was grateful to Roads Service for their presentation and also Rivers Agency and answered many questions from the floor. James Cooper, former UUP Chairman chaired the meeting.

 

The main concerns expressed at the meeting were the lack of meaningful and proper consultation between those affected by the new road and disappointment was expressed at the refusal of Lands & Property Services to attend the meeting and answer genuine concerns over compensation and how that process would work.

 

I share the concerns of many farmers whose land will be bisected and left useless for current farming practices and many businesses will be severely affected by the new route. I would urge Roads Service to adopt a common sense approach and take these matters into account, including the concerns of local businesses, because no matter what level of compensation is offered, it will never suffice.

 

Other points have been raised on the lack of a hard shoulder on the proposed route and after the flooding of the Newtownstewart By-Pass at the weekend would adequate drainage systems be in place to avoid similar problems with the new route.

 

I am grateful for the support of my Party colleague, Jim Nicholson MEP and I am certain in the months ahead this issue will remain and I shall continue to work on behalf of all those who are affected by these proposals.”





Back to other news articles...