Weight restriction signs finally erected in Clady

SIGNAGE indicating a weight restriction on heavy goods vehicles going through Clady finally got erected this week, much to the delight of locals. It marks the end of a long-running saga which has been plaguing the residents of the village.

Over the course of two days, the Department of Infrastructure erected new signage on the northern side of the border indicating that haulage lorries whose weight exceeded 7.5 tonnes were no longer allowed to drive through Clady and cross the bridge over the border. Signage on the southern side of the border has not yet been fully erected but is expected to be done in the coming days.

Eamon Lafferty, a member of the Clady Cross Community Development Association and an active member in the ‘Stop The HGV’ committee, warmly welcomes the arrival of the new signs.

“This is a wonderful day for the people of Clady. It is the culmination of an exceptionally long struggle, over many years, many meetings, and many setbacks but it looks like we will now finally have peace and tranquillity descend on our village, and not before time. The input from everyone involved has been nothing short of immense. Everyone in the village is elated that our arduous work has finally come to fruition.

“The people who live in Clady main street have endured many years of pain, pain which is now over.”

The legislation to ban heavy goods vehicles from the village came into law on November 29 but could not be enforced until signs indicating the change were visible.

Previously, the Department of Infrastructure had assured villagers signs would be in place by mid-December, although that deadline came and went, which Eamon understands.

“We had hoped that this would have been done in December as the Department promised, however in our discussions with them, the committee were given and accepted their bona fide reasons for the delay. It’s better late than never. We acted in good faith and now there’s no excuse.

“We expect there will be a few teething problems, with the occasional slip. That said, the law has been in place since November so I would hope the hauliers have got the message that the village is out of bounds and have passed the information onto their drivers. Hopefully, the threat of a hefty fine will put off any flouters,” he added.

“Everyone in Clady will be vigilant to ensure the law isn’t broken, however I would expect the police to be visible and doing their bit as well.”

Over the years, politicians like, West Tyrone MLAs Daniel McCrossan and Maolíosa McHugh and Derg SDLP councillor Stephen Edwards have worked tirelessly for the cause, and Eamon extended his thanks to them and to Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.

For their part the politicians also welcomed the development.

Daniel McCrossan said, “I want to thank Minister Nichola Mallon for taking this issue on and pushing forward with it for the local people of Clady. She has gone above and beyond in delivering for Clady when her predecessors have continually failed.

“The SDLP will continue working and pushing for the things that matter most to our local communities.”

Sinn Féin’s MLA Maolíosa Mc Hugh added, “It indeed has been a long journey and tribute must be paid to the local community of Clady who persevered despite many set-backs and delays to see this campaign through to a successful conclusion.

“I and my party have worked at every juncture to assist this campaign and delighted that it has now come to fruition.”