New pedestrian crossing for Arva

Works on a pedestrian crossing at Arvagh are set to commence in the coming months.

The news was confirmed to councillors at the April meeting of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District in Arvagh Hall.

Fine Gael Councillor Winston Bennett had requested an update on the proposed works.

“It was put down 18 months ago and I was told it would be progressed last year,” he says.

In response, Senior Executive Engineer John McGahern stated the project is “close to being delivered”.

He outlined how the council ran into issues with a road safety audit, which necessitated a redesign.

Since then, a second audit has taken place, which was successful.

Describing the project, Mr McGahern stated that two new pedestrian crossings would be put in place, as well as two bus shelters.

“Disabled parking spaces are to be relocated because of the pedestrian crossing.”

Content with the progress, Cllr Bennett said: “Arvagh will be delighted.”

Later councillors were given a guided tour of Cully’s Bakery to celebrate its 70 years in Business. Barney Cully led the tour and councillors were treated to a demonstration on how Cully’s award-winning Batch Loaf is made.

Speaking to the Celt following the tour, Mr Cully thanked the councillors for their visit. “I explained to them how it worked and the difference between us and the big plant bakers in how we operate.”

Mr Cully stated how he had told the councillors of his struggles to get grant aid. “We did thankfully get Leader funding last year for a couple of new machines, which was absolutely wonderful to get.

“When I started to build, there were no grants available, I had to finance it all myself.”

Marking the company’s momentous 70 years in business, Barney concluded: “For a small family-run business, it’s great because I have had friends in the industry that have closed down. We’re lucky in that the batch loaf has been our main thing from day one.”