South Belfast DUP MLA and Chairman of the Regional Development Committee Jimmy Spratt has responded to the Department for Regional Development's decision not to provide a tidal clearway pilot on the Lisburn Road.

Commenting, Mr. Spratt said: "I fully support the Lisburn Road Traders who are seeking to attract more shoppers to the road and are working to ensure that no more shops are closed. The issue of parking is one which clearly impacts on local businesses. This could be alleviated by DRD granting a tidal clearway pilot project which would increase parking time for customers who shop on the Lisburn Road.

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"I am at a loss as to understand why a senior official in the department would initially recommend this pilot project to the Minister and then later reverse this decision. I am meeting the Lisburn Road Traders with Glyn Roberts from NIIRTA today to fully discuss all the issues and I intend to ask the departmental officials to come before the Committee to explain this decision in the coming weeks when committee business resumes after recess."

(CD/GK)