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A South Armagh business group has launched a campaign to tackle the area's ever increasing number of potholes, warning that poor road conditions are damaging vehicles, endangering cyclists and deterring potential investment.
The South Armagh Business Improvement Group launched its "Pothole Watch" campaign in Crossmaglen, calling for an immediate improvement to road conditions and a significant reduction in dangerous potholes across the area.
Chairman John Nealon said potholes are the most pressing issue facing the region's roads. "These potholes are causing car tyre punctures, pose a danger to cyclists and are not helping the broader development of the area - how can we encourage business to come and establish in our area, if, when they visit, have to constantly swerve to avoid the potholes," he said.
The group's first aim is to get an accurate measure of the number of potholes in the area. Mr Nealon explained that as only 44 potholes were noted on the DfI Roads website as of 4 January, there is a massive under reporting of the problem. "So, part of our social media campaign is to encourage all road users to report any potholes in the area," he said.
The South Armagh Business Improvement Group will also be commissioning work to submit pothole information affecting the main routes in the area. Once an accurate figure is arrived at, the group will then engage with DfI Roads to ensure a significant improvement is achieved in reducing the number of potholes.
The group is encouraging all road users in the area to record potholes on the DfI Roads website at www.nidirect.gov.uk
