Share a Great Place – New Code of Conduct for the Newry-Portadown Canal Towpath

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council is promoting a simple Code of Conduct for all users of the Newry-Portadown Canal Towpath to abide by.

One of the longest, traffic-free walking and cycling routes in Northern Ireland, the Newry-Portadown Canal Towpath runs for 20 miles from the Bann Bridge in Portadown to the Town Hall in Newry, taking in views of the River Bann and a beautiful array of local plants and wildlife.

With such a scenic backdrop, it is easy to see why this outdoor attraction proves so popular with locals and visitors – seeing a wide mix of users including cyclists, walkers, runners and many others.

To help encourage responsible behaviour and mutual respect among all its users, ABC Council has launched a new Code of Conduct for everyone to follow.

The Code will apply to the Newry-Portadown Canal Towpath as well as to the Bann Boulevard path, which runs from the Point of Whitecoat to Shillington’s Quay in Portadown. It encourages harmonious interaction across the shared-use paths by relying on all users:

• being considerate towards each other,
• taking responsibility for their own actions, and
• caring for the environment.

Launching the Code of Conduct, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage said:

“The Newry-Portadown Canal Towpath is a fantastic asset for the people of our borough, offering a picturesque place to exercise at or relax and unwind in – all while enjoying its beautiful natural surroundings.

 Council’s new Code of Conduct offers a simple but important guide for all towpath users, focusing on the importance of everyone treating the walkway and its users with respect and consideration. I would urge all residents and visitors to the area to follow the Code to help ensure we all get to enjoy this shared space as safely as possible.”

The Newry-Portadown Canal Towpath Code of Conduct is accessible online here: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/council/corporate-publications/ and a print version will be available soon.