Responsibility for the footpaths currently remains with the local Council, as the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) has not yet adopted them due to unresolved issues with the surface. While the Council has confirmed it is working with DFI Roads to explore potential solutions, residents are understandably frustrated by the lack of visible progress. 

Speaking about the situation, Carla Lockhart MP said: 

“The safety of residents and visitors in Waringstown must be a priority, and I share the frustration of local people who have been raising concerns about the condition of these footpaths for far too long. It is clear that action is needed to address the slipperiness of the surface, which has been compounded by icy weather. 

Following ongoing engagement with the local community, I recently attended an early morning meeting with a Council official to highlight these concerns. I welcome the confirmation that an official report will be brought to the Council’s Economic Development Department on Tuesday to discuss possible solutions. This is an important step forward, but it is vital that the matter is dealt with as swiftly as possible. 

I have urged the Council to prioritise the worst-affected areas, particularly where the problem is made worse by tree cover. I will continue working with local Councillors Mark Baxter and Paul Greenfield to ensure this issue remains high on the agenda and that progress is made as quickly as possible. 

Residents deserve footpaths that are safe and fit for purpose, and I will continue to press the relevant authorities until this matter is resolved. In the meantime, I would encourage anyone who experiences an issue to report it to the Council to ensure all concerns are documented.”