Traffic control is needed after accident

The call by Uel Mackin for safety improvements on the notoriously dangerous road comes a week after a local man died after an traffic accident last month.

A 66-year-old man injured in a road crash last month has died in hospital. Ian Bailie, of Back Road in Lisburn was involved in a collision on the Old Ballynahinch Road on the outskirts of the city on October 28.

He was injured in the crash and unfortunately died in hospital last week.

In extending his sympathy and prayers to Mrs Bailie and the wider family circle, Downshire Councillor, Uel Mackin said “at a time like this words are very inadequate.”

“We have a situation where a loving wife and family circle are grieving the loss of a loved one through no fault of theirs. It is so very, very sad.”

Mr Mackin said Mr Bailie had been in contact with him prior to the tragic accident to express concern about issues on that particular stretch of road.

“There have been serious issues on the A49 Old Ballynahinch and Magheraknock Roads for some years and Ian’s death brings to five the number of fatalities along a three mile stretch of road,” said Mr Mackin.

“There has also been a number of non fatal accidents along the same stretch of roadway.

“It is ironic that Ian had been in contact with me expressing his concerns about speed issues and requested some form of traffic control or monitoring be put in place in the area.

“His untimely death is a significant reason to continue efforts to improve safety on this road and I along with my colleagues will be doing that.”

The police have appealed for anyone who was in the Old Ballynahinch Road area at 2.15pm on October 28 to contact them.

Chief Inspector John Wilson said seven people had died in road traffic incidents in the Lisburn area this year.

“My message to all road users is to please take care and be mindful of road conditions, stay within the speed limit and be safe, not just for yourself, but for others,” he said.

Anyone who was in the area at the time or who has any information about the accident can contact the police in Lisburn Station on the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively information can be passed to the poelice anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity by contacting 0800 555 111.