SDLP Councillor Declan O'Loan has strongly criticised Roads Service for its handling of an upcoming closure for the purpose of resurfacing of the vital bridge crossing of the River Bann at Portglenone, and for failing to notify Ballymena Borough Council.

He said: "This has turned into a shambles. It is important to point out that it is Western Division based in Magherafelt who are carrying out this work and who have in my opinion failed to plan it properly. The Bann crossing at Portglenone is a vital road artery and it should have been obvious that a temporary closure needed to be managed very carefully. What is going to happen is a complete closure for a substantial part of the next two weekends (23/24 February, 2/3 March) in order to resurface the bridge. I have been told three different versions of the precise timings. It is also outrageous that Ballymena Borough Council were not informed. We are routinely informed by Northern Division of all closures in the area, even very minor roads. This is a major closure, the alternative crossing points on the Bann being at Toome and Kilrea.

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"Local businesses in Portglenone are very concerned about the situation and of course it potentially affects thousands of people. I have been in touch with Roads Service and with the Council. Council officers are investigating the matter and I know that at this late stage, Roads Service are rethinking the timings.

"Personally I cannot see why such a long period of closure is necessary for such work. Overnight working should be the norm in such a situation.

"Even at this late stage, I hope that an improved programme of work involving less disruption will be agreed."

(CD/GK)