Department must keep roads and footpaths safe this winter - Ennis

The South Down MLA said: “As temperatures begin to fall and road conditions worsen, the Department must ensure that roads are safe for local residents.

“I’ve been speaking to residents from right across South Down who don’t have a salt box or access to grit piles.

“I have requested these areas are provided with grit as soon as possible to help keep residents safe.”

Ennis added: “Winter gritting is a huge cause for concern for many in our local rural communities.

“The DfI need to deliver a more effective solution to winter gritting on our rural roads with priority for those in more isolated areas who fear another winter stuck in their homes.

“Those who work as frontline staff such as the emergency services and domiciliary care workers must have a safe passage to and from people’s homes as well as other services such as childcare and rural schools must be able to operate smoothly. We cannot allow ordinary people to suffer.”