Paul Frew welcomes progress on proposed pedestrian crossing near Cambridge House Grammar School

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew on Galgorm Road, Ballymena, near Cambridge House Grammar School

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) that a pedestrian crossing near Cambridge House Grammar School on Ballymena’s Galgorm Road will be considered in future traffic management works.

Mr Frew said the development follows years of concerns raised by local residents about safety on the busy road, particularly for schoolchildren travelling to and from the nearby grammar school.

“I have been contacted by numerous constituents over the years in relation to the need for a pedestrian crossing on the Galgorm Road near Cambridge House School,” said Mr Frew.

“This has been an issue I have been looking at for a significant period of time, there is a clear need for a crossing to allow children to safely cross the busy road on their way to school.”

Following discussions with the Department for Infrastructure, Mr Frew confirmed that officials have recognised a clear demand for a safer crossing solution.

“After being in contact with the Department for Infrastructure they have informed me that the Traffic Management Section have concluded that ‘there is demand to further investigate the possibility of providing a controlled crossing at this location’.”

He added that while the Department has signalled its intention to include the project in future work programmes, progress will depend on available funding.

“They also stated, ‘it is therefore the Department’s intention to consider this scheme for inclusion in any future Traffic Management Section’s programme of works’ but that this work ‘will be dependent upon budget allocation’ and that work will not be able to begin in 2025/26 due to previously agreed budgets,” Mr Frew said.

While no firm timeframe has been provided, Mr Frew described the Department’s response as “a welcome development” and expressed hope that it marks the beginning of meaningful progress.

“Unfortunately, there is still no timeframe, however, it is a welcome development and one that I hope will lead to real progress towards the creation of a pedestrian crossing on this stretch of road,” he said.

The DUP representative confirmed he will continue to press for the scheme to be prioritised when funding allows.

“I will continue to press the relevant bodies within the Department to see this scheme progressed and prioritised as soon as the funding becomes available.”

The Galgorm Road is one of Ballymena’s busiest routes, connecting the town centre with key residential areas and schools. Parents and road users have long called for improved safety measures to protect pedestrians, particularly during school travel times.