Video: Leave our cul-de-sac alone

Ashefield cul-de-sac residents urge councillors to respect their wishes

The residents of a quiet Mullingar cul-de-sac that the council want to open up to build a road into a new social housing development have called on Westmeath's councillors to refuse planning permission for the project in its current format.

The council plans to construct a 22 unit housing development on a site adjoining the Ashefield estate. The site also borders Abbeylands, Green Road and St Brigid's Terrace. Of the proposed 22 units, 18 are designed to suit older people or people with additional needs.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, the cul-de-sac's residents stressed that they are not against the development going ahead, but want the council to revise its plans and find an alternate main entrance.

Sebastian Laser bought his home in the cul-de-sac three years ago. He says that many of the houses are occupied by young families who were attracted by its safety.

“The reason I bought my house is because it is in a cul-de-sac and it's safe for children. I could have bought a house in a different part of Ashefield for a cheaper price but I decided to buy here so that I can let the children outside and don't have to be afraid for their safety.

“It's a really quiet area and I want them to keep the road closed. There must be another solution for the council to solve the problem.”

Over ten years ago Westmeath County Council closed a laneway linking Ashefield to Tesco due to anti-social behaviour. Przemek Janeczek says that he and his neighbours are worried that history will repeat itself if the cul-de-sac is opened up.

“I have lived here for 15 years with my parents. The reason we live here is that it's a nice quiet area. I don't want my parents to live in a busy area with cars going around. Plus it won't be safe for kids either.”

Liam Clear has lived on the cul-de-sac for over 20 years. He says that if it is opened up, it will change the dynamic of his multi-cultural neighbourhood.

“None of the residents are against the development. It's the location of the entrance that we are against. It's the opening of a cul-de-sac that is very busy with children playing. Everybody knows everybody and everyone looks out for each others' children. So far everything has been safe and we don't want that to change.”

The residents are currently putting together their submissions in advance of the July 5 deadline and are urging their elected representatives to respect their wishes.

While the council placed a public notice in the Westmeath Examiner last month and issued a site notice in accordance with regulations, Mr Laser says that English is not the first language of many of his neighbours and that many would not access local media or be inclined to read planning notices.

He believes that given the multi-cultural make up of his neighbourhood, the council should have notified each household.