Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has called on DRD Roads Service to include Clanvaraghan Road, Clanvaraghan, in its roads winter gritting schedule.

The local councillor is urging Roads Service to review an earlier 2011 decision on the area close to Castlewellan and has written to the department on the issue.

The Newcastle Councillor raised a number of issues, on behalf of Drumaroad and Clanvaraghan Community Association and local constituents.

Councillor Patrick Clarke said: "Last year I wrote to DRD Roads Service requesting that the Clanvaraghan Road in Clanvaraghan be added to the winter gritting schedule of roads.

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"Unfortunately DRD Roads Service declined my written request, citing that the Clanvaraghan road did not meet the required criteria but was however eligible for salt piles.

"The Clanvaraghan Road serves the local village of Clanvaraghan and also a number of rural roads in Clanvaraghan and Slieveniskey as well as being a school bus service route.

"Clanvaraghan village in recent years has grown with the arrival of new residents following the completion of 39 new homes back in 2007.

"I have therefore asked DRD Roads Service to review their previous decision last year in light of concerns raised from the Drumaroad and Clanvaraghan Community Association and local constituents about the safety of the Clanvaraghan Road during the winter months."

(CD/IT)