I rise to bring to light an issue that many constituents have contacted me about. There is absolute frustration about a fence that NI Water has erected on the north Down coastal path. The coastal path is the best asset of my constituency of North Down. It runs from Bangor through Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay beaches, past Seahill and Cultra and through to Holywood. You may be able to see my bias when I say that its natural beauty and scenery are unrivalled, with rich biodiversity interwoven into its very fabric.

We in North Down cherish our coastal path. Therefore, changes need to be made with community consultation at the heart. Imagine my dismay, when, in 2019, NI Water erected a large, unwanted fence right on the coastal path, ruining the sight lines and beautiful views of Belfast lough from as far away as Bangor city centre and completely overshadowing an existing historic wall, a proud part of the seaside heritage in the city.

The fence is a complete eyesore and is universally opposed by elected representatives and constituents alike. NI Water cited that the reason that it erected that fence in the first place was that one councillor — one — had asked it to erect a fence around a largely hidden pumping station. The one councillor who asked for that fence to be erected has now retired. All of the area's 40 councillors, five MLAs, one MP and scores of local residents have asked for it to be removed. NI Water has refused time and time again.

In order to progress that work, I coordinated a joint letter to NI Water from all five North Down MLAs, requesting that we meet to discuss that fence on a cross-party basis.

It even refused to meet us, again citing that it would not be removing the fence. Whilst the ugly eyesore remains, the issue has escalated. Our planning committee has spent hours deliberating the fence, primarily to determine whether it should have been allowed to be built without planning permission. It is urging NI Water to engage with the council to find a way forward and get it removed. Again, NI Water continues to refuse to remove the fence.

Our councillors are now working on hiding that obstruction at one of our places of natural beauty. This should not be a battle that needs to be fought. The disdain shown by NI Water for the local people of North Down, and those whom they elect, has been incredibly disappointing. Our public bodies and public services are here to serve us all. I urge the Minister for Infrastructure to explore urgent community consultation and find a solution that works for the people of North Down.