People power and local protest has forced Translink to make a u-turn over a plan to close a pathway in Bangor – within days of making its announcement.
Translink had proposed permanent closure of the pathway between Bangor Bus and Rail Station station and Manse/Brunswick Road over antisocial behaviour issues last week, but received considerable opposition during the brief period of public consultation, and confirmed the u-turn after a protest close to the site on Tuesday August 3.
Translink said that due to "the expressed sentiment of local residents and statkeholders to maintain the path" it has taken the decision to halt the consultation and retain access to the path.
“Translink would like to thank the local community and stakeholders for taking the time to contact us in relation to this proposal.”
Alliance councillor Connie Egan said she was delighted with the decision.
"This was about Translink’s senior officers coming to their senses and recognising the importance of this path to the local community.
“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."
Local resident Greg Wilson, who organised a protest after notifying residents in his street, also welcomed the announcement.
He said two households that backed onto the path have suffered from anti-socoal behaviour.
