A Mid Ulster Assemblyman has questioned the Stormont Roads Minister over the proposed closure of maintenance depots.

Ian McCrea also expressed his concerns over the need for a full time section engineer in Cookstown and proposed closure of the town's depot.

He said: "I asked the minster to clarify when and how he will fill the roads engineer posts that are currently sitting vacant.

"His response was to inform me that at present the Roads Service have no plans to fill these posts, one of which is Cookstown so they will sit vacant."

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Mr McCrea claimed that "yet again Cookstown is being targeted and stripped of vital services for the public".

"The proposed delay in filling the current vacancy and accompanied with the proposed closure of the Cookstown Roads Service Operational Depot if finalised will restrict services to the community not to mention hit hard at the local economy, especially in this time of recession," he said.

In total there are three Operational Depots proposed for closure, with Cookstown is one of them.

Road maintenance depots carry gear for a number of tasks, including road works, snow removal, planting of grass verges and central reservations and storm drain maintenance.

Large depots keep supplies of fuel and road salt for drivers.

The MLA said it was "regrettable" that any Roads Service Depot and would undoubtedly have a "very negative effect" on the service to the community.

"I will be working to ensure that all issues are considered before any closure is finalised and I would urge DRD to listen to the concerns before any decisions are taken," he added.

(PR/BMcc)