Down Councilor Cadogan Enright has highlighted claims by the Senior Area Roads Service Manager Kevin Monahan that he “would be most surprised if the Roads Service only asked for negative responses on the Edward Street one-way system consultation” The claim was made at the formal monthly meeting of Down Council to which the Roads Service had been invited.
Cllr Enright said “The Roads Service have been using the 25 objections they received to block the reintroduction of the successful one-way system trial from last year. They have been denying that they did not perform a full consultation”.
“Myself and parents involved in the campaign to restore the one way system were able to supply the Down Recorder with a full copy of the consultation last Friday, and it clearly does not canvass for positive replies”.
The exact words of the so-called consultation are;
“If you do not agree to this proposal, it would be appreciated if you could express your view by completing and signing the attached preference form” (using enclosed stamped addressed envelope)
If you do agree with this proposal, you need not take further action”
Cllr Enright pointed out that “This could not be clearer. The Road Services repeated denials that they did not conduct a one-sided consultation have been blown out of the water” Cllr Enright continued, “Prior to the consultation myself and other councilors had been reassured that it was only a formality given the success of the one way system. Despite this, hundreds of local people signed a petition is support of the one way system that was duly ignored by the Roads Service who still vainly grasp their 25 objections as a fig-leaf for their behavior.”
“All the local councilors, the MLA Chris Hazzard, the MP Margaret Ritchie, the local schools and the vast bulk of the local population want a one way system, as do the emergency services. I have supplied Roads service with letters from the Ambulance service, fire service, the Council and from Translink on the one-way system. The Roads Service is being obdurate in this matter, with all other government agencies recognizing the need for change” said Cllr Enright.
“I am asking the council to attach a copy of the consultation to the minutes of the meeting with the Roads Service, and write a letter to Mr Monaghan seeking an explanation,” concluded Cllr Cadogan Enright.