Council Backs Plan to Tackle Somerset Road Repair Crisis

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has agreed to take the lead in addressing the deteriorating condition of Somerset Road South in Coleraine, despite the repairs not being the council's direct responsibility.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Wisener and seconded by Councillor Holmes at last Tuesday's Corporate Policy and Resources Committee meeting, calls for the council's Chief Executive to convene discussions with local businesses and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to develop a repair strategy.

Somerset Road South serves as a crucial access route to the area's largest retail park and entertainment complex. Councillor Wisener described the road as being "in a terrible condition for years" and a source of ongoing frustration for Coleraine residents, particularly those in the Somerset area.

The motion seeks to establish a formal plan that would see DfI adopt responsibility for the road following any repairs. Councillor Holmes characterised the road's condition as "a festering sore for the past decade" and emphasised the need for council leadership despite the issue falling outside their remit.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted by Alderman Boyle, who welcomed the collaborative approach and noted that new Lidl and M&S stores opening at the retail park make the repairs "critical."

However, Councillor Storey, while supporting the motion, warned against setting a precedent that could see the council bearing repair costs for roads that are not their responsibility. Councillor Watton expressed frustration that the council was being "left to sort this out."

The committee unanimously agreed to support the motion, with the Chief Executive now tasked with organising stakeholder meetings to progress the initiative.