Lights are being installed along certain sections of the Comber Greenway in East Belfast as part of a pilot scheme.
For a number of years there have been calls to introduce lights along the length of the greenway with users saying they had to walk in pitch black during the autumn and winter months.
The Department for Infrastructure has now started to install red spectrum lighting along the greenway between the Beersbridge Road and the Billy Neill halt.
Read more: New scheme will see lights on the Comber Greenway next year
It is expected that the lights will be in place by the end of Autumn 2022.
East Belfast Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn welcomed the new lighting saying: "I am very glad to see the plans for lighting the Comber greenway coming to fruition, with the commencement of the trial period between the Beersbridge road and Billy Neil halt.
"During the public consultation period I regularly engaged with residents who live along the greenway and others who use the greenway for leisure or commuting, encouraging them to respond to the consultation.
"I want to see a more accessible greenway to promote active travel, but done in a way which is complimentary to the important ecosystem and natural environment that we have along the greenway. That is why I supported the use of low-level red-spectrum lighting and time limits for switch off in the evenings.
"As an active greenway user, I look forward to seeing this progress and will continue to engage with the department on the rollout of the future plans."
UUP councillor John Kyle also welcomed the lights saying: "Erection of lighting on Comber Greenway underway. It will make use of the greenway safer after dark encouraging more walkers and more commuting by bike."
A Departmental spokesperson said: “Work has now commenced on a pilot scheme to install new red spectrum lighting along the Comber Greenway between Beersbridge Road and Billy Neill halt. It is excepted all lighting columns will be installed by late autumn 2022. No final decision has been taken yet on lighting up times for the scheme.”
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