Translink has made a u-turn on plans to close a well-used pathway in Bangor.

The Northern Ireland public transport organisation recently announced the intention to permanently close a path between Bangor Bus and Rail Centre and Windsor Gardens and Manse Road/Brunswick Road.

After lobbying from local communities, residents and political figures, Translink has changed its decision and will not close the route to Bangor Town Centre.

Alliance councillor Connie Egan, who announced a petition to help reverse the decision, has welcomed the u-turn.

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"This was about Translink's senior officers coming to their senses and recognising the importance of this path to the local community – talk about people power.

"To remove it would have been taking away a safe route into the centre of Bangor and was just a farcical decision at a time when we are encouraging more and more people to use our open spaces.

"I'm grateful to all the people who stepped forward to make their voice heard on this issue. Such a quick turnaround by Translink signals the importance of always making your voice heard and together we can make a real difference for our area."

North Down Green Party representative councillor Barry McKee added: "Translink should be doing all it can to encourage more people to use public transport and active travel. This proposed path closure was counterproductive especially when the pandemic has resulted in a drop in public transport use. This decision has shown the power of people's voices."