Maximise railway benefits - Ford

12.00.00am GMT Fri 19th Dec 1997

South Antrim Alliance Councillor David Ford has welcomed a Sustainable New Housing Group claim which refers to the development of land - alongside the 'Bleach Green Line' - by Northern Ireland Railways.

Councillor Ford, who is the Alliance Party spokesman on rural development, said the proposal should be welcomed as part of the 'Bleach Green Line' planning and development strategy.

Councillor Ford said: "Antrim continues to be designated as a major growth area - especially in relation to the 'Bleach Green Line'. Any potential development would be of immense importance to the people of Antrim.

"I understand that by purchasing the land, NIR could then sell off the land to developers and allocate the profit to the development of the railway scheme. This could overcome some of the current funding difficulties.

"Although NIR may not wish to act as a land developer, it is important that any future development in the South Antrim area - including Antrim, Crumlin, Templepatrick, Ballyclare and Glengormley - make maximum use of public transport.

"There is a major traffic and commuter problem between our area and Belfast which cannot be solved by roads improvements alone. It is also essential that all types of development are thoroughly investigated."

ENDS