Alliance welcomes £200,000 Coastal Path upgrade

I have welcomed plans to upgrade one of the final sections of the North Down Coastal Path along with local Alliance representative Kate Nicholl. The upgrade will make a significant difference to many people who travel along the path which stretches from Belfast to Holywood, Cultra, Bangor and Groomsport.   

It was recently revealed that the current steep steps at the Seahill exit to the path are set to be replaced with a new water permeable bridge – opening the path up fully to disabled users, those with prams and cyclists.

Current Seahill steps along North Down Coastal Path
© Copyright Albert Bridge and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

The coastal path is one of North Down’s greatest assets, with its natural beauty attracting many on a daily basis.  I welcome plans to upgrade the path further, especially this major change at Seahill which will open the path up to many more users at a cost in the region of £200,000.

The Alliance Party is dedicated to protecting and enhancing green space across North Down and the coastal path provides a vital place for leisure in the borough.  This much needed investment will also bring us closer to day when people will be able to travel freely from Groomsport to Belfast via a Coastal Greenway on a par with the successful Comber Greenway

Kate Nicholl added: “This investment is great news for all those frustrated by the disruption to the path at Seahill.  The relevant authorities, including North Down Borough Council, have spent time researching this project and the creation of a water permeable bridge is the best way to protect the existing marine life in the vicinity. I look forward to the work being completed and seeing the path being enjoyed by many more users."

Read more about North Down Coastal Path story at http://nigreenways.wordpress.com/tag/seahill-steps/