LOCAL community and political representatives have accused DRD Roads Service of a “lack of consultation” over major roadworks that are due to start on the Glen Road on Monday. The resurfacing works are expected to take up to six weeks to complete.

In letters distributed in the Glen Road and Suffolk areas Roads Service has told residents that the Glen Road will be closed “in one direction for approximately five weeks from the Suffolk Road to the Shaws Road.” The letter adds: “This one-way traffic closure will remain in place 24 hours a day.”

The temporary traffic measures put in place will also impact on bus services for the area and residents have been advised to check the Translink website for revised details of their bus routes and services.

Seán Lennon, Chairperson of the Glencolin Residents’ Association, told the Andersonstown News that Roads Service should have engaged with his group directly.

“People from the Roads Service called in leaving a few letters to distribute, but no-one I have spoken to got a letter directly in the post,” said Seán. “I understand that work like this needs to be carried out but at what level of disruption to our residents, especially with the new school term fast approaching?”

Local Sinn Féin MLA Rosie McCorley spoke of her concerns about the upcoming work.

“I’m concerned at the impact on those who need unrestricted access due to disability in and out of their homes,” said Rosie.

“I have contacted Roads Service and I’m waiting on them getting back to me to arrange a meeting to work out the implications and how to best minimise them,” said Sinn Féin Councillor Gerard O’Neill. “The work has to be done, I understand that, but at what cost to local residents?”

A spokesperson for Roads Service said: “Roads Service consulted with the emergency services and Translink as well as advising the Black Taxi Association about these roadworks. Letter drops were also made to those whose frontages will be directly affected by the roadworks.

“In addition, the resurfacing of this section of the Glen Road was noted in the Roads Service Spring Report 2013 presented to Belfast City Council at the end of May 2012.”