Fed-up residents launch petition on anti-social issues

Fed-up residents launch petition on anti-social issues

18 June 2025

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has been urged to do more to address an anti-social behaviour issue at Newcastle’s Donard Car Park.

A new petition has been launched to force the statutory agencies to join forces to put the brakes on young drivers whose behaviour is a major issue for residents who live nearby, in particular, those in sheltered accommodation.

Local Alliance councillor Jill Truesdale insists much more can and should be done to address the anti-social behaviour and says fed-up residents are calling for action.

The trouble is concentrated in the main car park and in a new extension which was added several years ago.

Cllr Truesdale — who has welcomed the launch of the petition — said problems “have been an issue for decades”.

Cllr Truesdale, a former chairwoman of the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership, says she is “encouraging residents to take control over their quality of life which is being negatively impacted”.

“As an elected representative, the thoughts and feelings of the people who vote are of the utmost importance.”

Cllr Truesdale said that prior to the election she was working on the Donard car park issue. She said Alliance had meetings with several police forces in England who were trialling noise cameras which concluded that they were a deterrent, with drivers changing their behaviour. 

“The trials supported the use of noise cameras as a tool to address excessive vehicle noise but, unfortunately, Northern Ireland requires a change in legislation to zone particular areas so the police can act within them,” she explained.

Cllr Truesdale discussed the anti-social behaviour issue in Donard Park with local council officials July 2023, explaining the trouble impacts on large number of residents.

“We discussed using speed ramps and how the internal speed control measures in the main car park did not appear to slow cars down. Since then, the height of several have been increased.”

Cllr Truesdale said one of her most serious concerns was the overflow car park layout which allowed drivers to perform ‘donuts’ on open areas of tarmac in the evenings.

She said plans for new lighting in the overspill car park were axed due to funding issues, while her suggestion for speed ramps was ruled out because of the cost involved.

Cllr Truesdale said it was “incredibly difficult” for police to prosecute the young drivers.

“If local police are aware of a car meet they will put in a request for the PSNI traffic team to come down from Antrim which has the equipment and manpower power to block the car park exits,” she said.

“A new 3G pitch is being developed in Donard Park for local football clubs and Shimna Integrated College and I have made various suggestions for lighting given this area will now be a lot busier.

Cllr Truesdale added: “We in Down District are also the last to move to digital CCTV and this was something the Alliance council group have been pursuing as it would act as a deterrent to drivers acting poorly.”

“There has to be more coming from Newry, Mourne and Down Council with regards to this this asset. It must do better for everyone’s sake.”