ABC Planning committee members have approved a planning application for major public realm improvements in Markethill.
The scheme will include new kerbs, paving, footpath surfacing, hard and soft landscaping, lighting upgrades and enhancements to existing pedestrian crossing points and tactile pavings, and all associated site works.
It will incorporate Main Street, Keady Street, Fair Green Road, The Square, lands to the front of 1-5 Bunkers Hill, and extend onto Mowhan Road to the rear of No 2 Mowhan Court.
The matter was discussed at a Planning & Regulatory Services meeting held on July 9.
Alderman Gordon Kennedy (UUP, Cusher DEA) said he looked forward to the scheme being completed: “I’d like to welcome this work. Any additional facelift, I very much appreciate it. It has been talked about for a while, so it’ll be good to get the wheels in motion.”
Alderman Gareth Wilson (DUP, Cusher DEA) also welcomed the scheme: “It’ll be great to see. I know a number of the footpaths are in bad shape, so it will address a lot of that and no doubt it will look well.
“From previous schemes, I think it’s very important that traders are kept on board and managed and respected at all times throughout the process, because it can be quite disruptive when it’s happening.”
The DUP representative also urged the council to be “compassionate” in its dealings with traders, when it comes to traffic management and the schedule of works.
Committee chairman, Cllr Scott Armstrong (DUP, Armagh DEA) also felt it was important for the council to liaise with traders: “I agree with both your comments, in relation to the scheme being badly needed in Markethill, and it could be welcome for everybody if it’s not to the detriment of traders in the village itself.”
The recommendation to grant planning approval was proposed by Alderman Kennedy, and seconded by Alderman Wilson.
