The start of long-awaited resurfacing works on Staffordstown Road in Randalstown on Thursday, 27 March, has sparked significant disruption, drawing criticism from South Antrim MP Robin Swann and local stakeholders.
While the project, announced by the Infrastructure Minister, was initially welcomed, its rollout has led to confusion and frustration due to inadequate signage, unexpected road closures, and a lack of prior notice.
Robin Swann MP expressed his disappointment over the chaotic start to the works, stating:
“I welcomed the resurfacing works announced by the Infrastructure Minister for the Staffordstown Road in Randalstown. It is disappointing, however, that the commencement of this work on Thursday 27th March led to unnecessary challenge and disruption for local businesses, visitors, and residents.
“I have been told of signage being put up incorrectly and roads closed with little prior notice.”
He added that his office has reached out to the Department of Infrastructure and spoken with section engineers in the Northern Division to mitigate further impact, particularly on local businesses.
“My office has contacted the Department of Infrastructure and have spoken to section engineers within Northern Division to try to ensure local businesses don’t suffer any further,” he said.
Among those affected is World of Owls, a local attraction still recovering from the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. Mike Gibb, a representative of the organisation, contacted both Mr Swann and Councillor Stewart Wilson to voice his concerns about the impact of the roadworks.
“We passed our big zoo inspection after only just recovering from Storm Éowyn to be again hit with yet another disaster, this time from the Roads Service,” Mr Gibb explained. “The road closure looks like the entire road is closed and people are turning away. The diversions take you around the road closure, but the layout gives the impression that there is no access to World of Owls.”
Mr Gibb recounted several incidents that highlighted the scale of the disruption.
“Two members of our voluntary staff were also turned around. At one point, we had elderly visitors that followed the diversion signs from World of Owls, Staffordstown Road to Toome, only then to be looped around at Toome and sent back down to where they started - nearly a 20-mile diversion to back to where they started.
“We had a large group of American tourists wanting to visit us and got lost with the lack of diversion signs, so they gave up and went to another attraction, out of the borough. At one point, a community nurse was turned away and unable to make their house calls.”
With Easter approaching, he expressed worry about the future impact, adding, “As much as I appreciate and welcome any road improvements, there are ways and means to avoid negative impacts. Easter is coming up; we anticipate that we will be busy, but this will definitely negatively affect us as people will see the signs and won’t come near us.”
Councillor Stewart Wilson echoed these concerns, noting the unfortunate timing for businesses like World of Owls.
“I am disappointed by the additional challenges a local business has had to face due to this disruption, especially as it is just finding its feet in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn,” he said. “Whilst the resurfacing of the Staffordstown Road is long overdue and welcomed by the local residents that have contacted me, consideration should be given to other stakeholders who will inevitably be affected.”
The resurfacing project, intended to improve local infrastructure, has instead underscored the need for better planning and communication to balance progress with the needs of the community. As Easter looms, local leaders and businesses are urging swift action to address the ongoing issues and prevent further economic fallout.