A Northern Ireland MLA has hit out at the "delay in repairing" a railing which separates a busy main road and footpath in Co Down.
The structure was damaged during a serious crash on Market Street in Downpatrick on the evening of October 4, 2022. Three months to the day of the incident, and the repair is yet to be carried out.
It has been described as an "eyesore and a blot" on the town's main street by MLA Colin McGrath.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, he said: "I am unhappy not just at the delay in sourcing and repairing these railings but the fact that the old mangled railing have been left in place for nearly four months now. It is an eyesore and a blot on the Main Street of the county town.
"It is obvious that some civil servants do not appreciate the business environment and having to conduct the Christmas season with a mangled metal mess with warning tape fixed to it is unacceptable.
"I am very certain if this was Lisburn or Bangor there would be no wait and I have to ask why we have had to wait so long.
"People and businesses are simply amazed at the length of time it has taken and I will be liaising with departmental officials to find out why. One can only hope this mess and sight will be removed soon."
A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said: “The damaged railing is scheduled for repair later this month. An order has been placed for a new bespoke railing which was originally erected as part of the Downpatrick Public Realm Scheme. In the meantime, the pedestrian railings remain cordoned off for road safety purposes. “
Police told Belfast Live that enquiries are ongoing following the crash.
On the night, they responded to a report of a car being on its roof in the Market Street area at around 9.10pm. The vehicle was "recovered a short time later and there were no reports of any serious injuries".
"A 19-year-old male was cautioned at the scene for dangerous driving," a spokesperson added.
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