Thousands of local people have backed the campaign, highlighting the widespread frustration with potholes, broken signs, and overgrown verges. Carla Lockhart said the situation is “a disgrace” and must be addressed as a matter of priority.

Carla Lockhart MP said:

“The people of Northern Ireland are fed up with excuses. Potholes, broken signs, overgrown verges, the basics aren’t being done. I don’t blame the local staff who work hard with limited resources. The fault lies with the direction of travel set by the Department. It’s time for the Minister to get back to basics and deliver.

By presenting this petition, I have left the Minister in no doubt about the strength of feeling on this issue. Northern Ireland deserves better, and I will continue to press for action until we see results.

I also raised with the Minister the long-overdue A1 safety works in Banbridge and the potential for further delay in the wake of the A5 ruling. It is clear that the Minister and other political parties need to recognise that their pursuit of unrealistic climate change targets is strangling the economy, costing the taxpayer dearly, and holding back projects that are vital to public safety. This must change.

Alongside this, I pressed the need for significant investment in Lurgan, where long-promised park and ride facilities have still not been delivered. The lack of provision is restricting commuter options and adding pressure to local roads. On top of that, the extensive downtime on the railway line through Lurgan is badly damaging local businesses and disrupting the daily lives of commuters who rely on reliable train services. This is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.

I also raised the unacceptable delays in the Blue Badge scheme. Bureaucracy is leaving vulnerable people without the support they need and deserve. The Department must get a grip of this process and put people first.

I will continue to hold Ministers’ feet to the fire at Stormont, Westminster and in Council. Our communities deserve a roads network that is safe, maintained and fit for purpose, and I will not stop until this is delivered.”