Paradise Lost? It will be if .........

The North Down Coast between Belfast and Donaghadee has been a popular playground and walking route for many generations. However the Design Consultants AECOM, acting for Ards and North Down Borough Council, and Sustrans, the Cycle Lobby Organisation, have drawn up a detailed plan to widen, level and smooth out, as much as possible, the path along that route.(Planning Application No. LA06/2020/0530/F). The application shows that the Council, working with Sustrans, are planning a fundamental change in the function of the path, and by extension, the Coast, from a place to visit, play, and walk into a full-blown Cycleway. Their aim is to turn this varied and interesting path into a tarmac Cycleway 3-4 metres wide to be 'shared' by cyclists, walkers, everyone. 3+ metres on both sides of the path will also be cleared to 'improve' sight lines, removing trees and vegetation as necessary.

The proposal will remove most of the variety and create an anodyne strip suitable only for cycling. A pleasant and interesting path will be turned into dull uniformity. As for people with mobility issues who cannot walk far, if this proposal is successful, they will be intimidated out of even venturing onto the path at all. People who find parts of the present path difficult to traverse at present will find the route totally impossible, with the constant fear of speeding cyclists approaching silently from behind. Sustrans admit that conflict on shared paths occurs everywhere. Precisely! This points to the fundamental flaw in their concept of creating 'shared' paths that no amount of wishful thinking will eradicate. Along the North Down Coast the potential for  conflict will be greatly increased by the fact that many people visit the area to sit, relax and play on the beaches and hinterlands at Seapark, Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn. The reaction of these people to cyclists speeding among them will be a sight to behold. To claim, as Sustrans does, that this Cycleway will be an improvement on the existing path, is beyond satire.

The crux of the issue is this: This stretch of coast is a playground for many people, especially on the beaches at Seapark, Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn, and their adjoining open spaces. The total unsuitability of creating a cycle path which, supposedly will also be used by walkers, including families, children and pets, is blatantly obvious.

Yes, cycling is a healthy and pleasurable form of exercise and transport, and some members of our group are keen cyclists. A dedicated cycle route would benefit the community and be a worthwhile investment, but not if it means destroying the existing path and environs. So let us prevent this wanton destruction and use the money saved to create an alternative separate Cycleway along which cyclists can travel safely without having to accommodate walkers and others using the same space.

At present the project has been temporarily stalled by the increasing outcry in the local newspapers and social media as  more people have become aware of the proposal. This has forced the Council to undertake an additional 'Environmental Assessment'. This assessment is being carried out by AECOM. Any conflict of interest?

Be in no doubt. This stretch of coast is under serious threat. Do you wish to continue to enjoy this beautiful stretch of coast without being assailed by speeding cyclists and  e-scooters?

DO nothing and Paradise will be lost!

DO something! Start by signing our petition and spread the word!

Also, please send your objections directly to the Council, quoting the planning reference No..

e-mail: planning@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk,

or better still for maximum impact, send them a letter. The address is,

Ards and North Down Borough Council                                                            Planning Department,                                                                                                    2, Church Street,                                                                                                            Newtownards                                                                                                                  BT23 4AF