Changes to retail park given welcome by local councillor

12 September 2012

A DOWNPATRICK councillor’s two-year campaign to have issues addressed at the Ballydugan Road retail park in the town has been successful.

A bottle bank is to be reinstated at the retail complex and a new pedestrian access is to be created on to the Ballydugan Road.

Councillor Cadogan Enright met recently with representatives from Asda’s head office in Edinburgh and has also been in discussions with the management company which looks after the retail complex for its owner.

New security cameras will police the bottle banks to deter illegal dumping and Down Council has given a guarantee that it will work to make sure the area around the recycling facility is kept clean.

Councillor Enright has confirmed that the local authority will also ensure the bottle banks are emptied on a regular basis to prevent people from leaving bottles beside them if they are full.

He said the fact CCTV will now police the area around the bottle banks will provide an opportunity to prosecute those who engage in illegal dumping at the retail park.

“This is a win-win situation for everyone. Retailers will see their turnover at the retail park increase and Down Council will see its landfill tax bill reduce as a result of this agreement as less waste will be sent to its waste site at Drumnakelly near Seaforde,” suggested Councillor Enright.

The Downpatrick politician said he is also delighted that Asda have requested the management company in charge of the retail park to provide a new pedestrian entrance from the Ballydugan Road.

“Asda has agreed to pay for the new access and the management company is working to ensure it’s provided,” he explained.

Councillor Enright continued: “Whilst there are things that may yet conspire to frustrate the new recycling point and pedestrian entrance at the retail park, things are looking good at the moment.

“Over the past few years I have been besieged by a number of people in Downpatrick and around the district about a new pedestrian entrance and the return of the recycling centre at the Asda complex. It is great to have a successful end to this campaign.”

Councillor Enright said he wished to thank Asda, the retail park’s management company, Down Council and Downpatrick estate agent Hugh Press for their help is resolving both issues.

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