West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Fein secure Andersonstown environmental improvement funding

Published: 1 December, 2008

An extensive environmental improvement scheme is on the cards for the Andersonstown Road after consistent campaigning by West Belfast Sinn Fein MLAs Paul Maskey and Sue Ramsey.

The Sinn Fein MLAs, working closely with the Andersonstown Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, have been shown the plans for the improvement scheme which will cover the area from Casement Park to the corner of Finaghy Road North.

Paul Maskey said:

''This scheme, which we hope will begin in late 2009, has the objective of bringing a town centre feel to this part of the Andersonstown Road.

''Natural stone surfaces will replace the present tarmac surfaces, mature trees will be planted along the road, improved street lighting will be installed and changes to parking and traffic flow will also come into place.

''Sinn Fein, the Andersonstown Neighbourhood Partnership and the West Belfast Traders Forum have been campaigning for these improvements for a long time and the news that over 1.5 million is set to be allocated for this work is very welcome.

Sue Ramsey said:

''The section of the Andersonstown Road in question is a hub of activity and with this activity comes parking and traffic issues. We hope that the plans for the area will go some way to alleviating these problems.

''The team responsible for carrying through this plan will be holding a public consultation where local residents and business owners can view the plans and make their opinions known to the design team.

''The team has also told us that they will make a drop box available in the area for any written suggestions that people may have.

''Sinn Fein welcomes the scheme and we would like as many local residents and business owners to take part in the consultation so that they have input into this project, thus ensuring that all suggestions and concerns are taken on board.

''This scheme is set to provide a great boost to the Andersonstown Road area.''