No plans for new town bus station

The Minister visited the town last week to discuss a number of different issues with local residents. While Mr Kennedy said the idea of a long-awaited bus station is still being considered, he added that funding and land issues remain obstacles.

“We are very well aware of the lobby on this but we also have to be mindful of and realistic about current funding issues.

“We are trying to resolve issues around land availability. Local people can be hopeful of a resolution to this eventually.”

Money for town centre improvements from the Bridgewater Park scheme is also a concern for local people. Plans for a one-way system around the town were raised earlier this year but the Minister said nothing has been brought to his desk on this issue in recent times.

Upper Bann MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said she was pleased to welcome the Minister to the area.

“I was delighted to welcome Roads Minister Danny Kennedy MLA to the local area for a packed schedule of visits,” said Mrs Dobson. “Initially we met with residents in Waringstown, then on to meet with Blackskull residents who have been campaigning for traffic calming measures at the crossroads in the village.

“The busy afternoon concluded with a meeting in my office with Chief Executive of Banbridge District Council Liam Hannaway and Banbridge residents.

“I was pleased that we were able to discuss with the Minister many of the varied issues which have been raised with me by constituents contacting my Office.”