Retailers on the Buncrana Road in L'Derry are calling for changes to the proposed upgrade to the road in a bid to improve local access to their stores.

Several traders on the major route have expressed concerns that the works will restrict customer access and affect their business.

David Barber, Retail NI Board Member and Buncrana Road Trader said: "We have concerns with the proposed upgrade plan as it will restrict customer access to my business, the many other businesses on our site and our colleagues in the Centra store, the Post Office and other traders across the road.

-- Advertisement --

"Over 200 people are employed between our two businesses and we need to ensure that the upgraded road will support the future growth of traders in the area. We have outlined some practical changes to the plans, which would include an additional roundabout and look forward to further engagement."

Retail NI has met with officials from the Department for Infrastructure to outline the ongoing concerns over the plans. A delegation of concerned traders and local politicians met with local L'Derry Sinn Fein and SDLP politicians Elisha McCallion MP and Mark H Durkan MLA to discuss the proposals.

Chief Executive Glyn Roberts, who also attended the meeting, said: "Retail NI supports the overall plan to upgrade the Buncrana Road. It will be a vital investment in the infrastructure of Derry, the North West and support the Derry-Strabane City Deal.

"However, the upgrade has to also work for local traders and ensure that their businesses can grow. We believe our proposals are a win-win for the overall project and local traders."

(JG/CM)