Old Mayo street gets a new and much safer look - but more is needed

An old Castlebar street has received a much-needed new and safer look.

A section of footpath has been widened to facilitate the installation of a zebra pedestrian crossing.

There had been concerns in the locality over the speed at which traffic were approaching the location from Newport Road, a fact that left elderly pedestrians in genuine fear of their lives.

The new design will help to reduce traffic speed as well as providing safer access for students of the Castlebar Campus of the Mayo College of Further Education.

With a number of schools nearby, Newtown is one of the busiest streets in the town after school drop-off and collection times, leading to traffic snarls at both Marian Row, Gallows Hill, Chapel Street, Newline and Lannagh Road.

Residents of the area have welcomed the Newtown works but believe a traffic masterplan is needed for the streets in question.

Proposals to install traffic lights at Gallows Hill and widen Marian Row appear to have been left on the long finger.

Meanwhile, works are also ongoing in surfacing the pedestrian route from Newtown to the riverside walk, another significant investment.