Objections from few people 'prevented" Kells walkway

Objections from a 'very small minority' had prevented the council from providing an alternative pedestrian walkway onto Maudlin Road from Headfort Grove, Area Manager Brendan McGrath told last Monday night"s Kells Town Council meeting. Work had been partly held up by 'people going around knocking down levels and markers' there, he added. He earlier accused objectors to the €6.4 million refurbishment of the 30-year-old estate of spreading 'misinformation, disinformation and wrong information' after councillors unanimously supported the scheme. Cllr Bryan Reilly made a thinly-concealed attack on Sinn Féin in criticising 'those who saw fit to go down there and canvass'. Members were informed by tenant liaison officer, Mary Carey, that the scheme was the first estate refurbishment undertaken in the county and could serve as a model. The contractor"s compound had been moved into the sewerage field after talks with residents and an archaeologist was also on site. Some 10 new houses were under way and three more were being refurbished, with one tenant already moved into accommodation. The council had an office on site and was preparing a three-page newsletter for residents which would shortly be distributed. Cllr Reilly said he was disappointed some councillors had not kept the agreement to unanimously support the project. Supporting, Cllr Tommy Grimes recalled members making commitments to the residents two years ago which they had not deviated from since. Councillors had to 'be seen to be singing from the same hymnsheet', the meeting heard. The closure of the town hill walkway onto Maudlin Road had caused anxiety to older residents, possibly due to wrong information, said Cllr Brian Curran. He urged the fullest discussion with those who the council required to move while upgrading their homes. Cllr Seán Drew said 'a lot of misinformation caused concern' while there were 'people still out there, playing on people"s fears'. Mr McGrath said the town hill walkway would reopen probably ahead of its six-month target and firmly denied there would be a tunnel there. There was never any suggestion the pathway would be closed permanently and it would be better lit, better levelled out and with CCTV cabling provision in place when reopened - the latter required agreement from residents. The first phase of the 65-week contract would be the most disruptive. Eight of the 21 extra housing units planned would replace the older people"s dwellings already demolished while seven of the 13 other houses would be affordable housing, with preference to applicants with family ties to the estate. Even with extra parking areas, 90 per cent of the total green area in Headfort Grove/Blackthorn Close would be untouched. 'Some councillors did Trojan work but one or two people went to canvass objections, which is the only reason why no alternative [pathway] is being provided.' Everyone on the estate now had to walk around the long way. Mr McGrath referred to statements from two local auctioneers, who calculated the value of privately owned houses on the estate would rise by €25,000-€30,000 from the scheme works. 'Private residents are going to benefit a hell of lot,' he added, while the full funding was in place to ensure the scheme was completed by October 2009.