Plans are currently being finalised for the completion of one of the last parts of a Co Antrim walkway and cycle facility.

The existing Newtownabbey Way walking and cycling route is soon to benefit from the addition of the last two phases of what is being seen as an ambitious project.

This will involve the continuation of the path from Monkstown, through Threemilewater Park to Mossley Mill and on to Corr's Corner.

At their February meeting, members of the Newtownabbey Borough Council's Development Committee were informed that the preferred option is to construct a path following the course of the Threemilewater River, utilising the existing bridge to traverse under the Doagh Road and the to enter the council's own Mossley Mill site after crossing Manse Road.

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There are however some problems being encountered. Members were advised that an analysis is still to be carried out to assess the impact of constructing a path under the Doagh Road, and that ownership of the area of land at the junction of Doagh Road/Manse Road is yet to be established.

Overall though, the project appears to be heading toward success with construction costs for the latest section of the project agreed as an estimated £352,000 plus fees.

With £350,000 of funding available from the Sustrans sustainable transport charity, committee members agreed that the work should be progressed.

The Newtownabbey Way will eventually provide a dedicated walking and cycling route between Loughshore Park, overlooking Belfast Lough at Jordanstown and Corr's Corner, Glengormley.

(BMcC/JM)