Parents urged to show respect in Castlewellan

Parents urged to show respect in Castlewellan

31 October 2012

PARENTS taking children to the Bunker’s Hill playground in Castlewellan by car have been urged to show more consideration for residents in the area.

The new play facility, which is being widely used, is located at a cul-de-sac which is causing problems for residents at the St. Malachy’s Drive area in particular.

They have complained cars belonging to people taking children to the play park are blocking residents’ driveways and gateways, restricting access and making it difficult for some people to put their bins out for collection.

The issue was discussed recently by local politicians and again last week during an inter-agency meeting in Castlewellan attended by representatives from Down Council, the PSNI, Housing Executive, Forest Service, Co. Down Rural Community Network and the newly formed St. Malachy’s Area Residents’ Committee.

Councillor Patrick Clarke attended the meeting and said residents, particularly those who are elderly and disabled, should not suffer as a result of “irresponsible people” parking their cars in the St. Malachy’s Drive area. He claimed some residents who asked visitors to move their cars were subjected to verbal abuse.

“This has caused undue stress and annoyance which clearly elderly and disabled residents do not expect or need when trying to park near their own homes,” continued Councillor Clarke.

“It’s quite clear the redeveloped play area is a victim of its own success. It’s used by a lot of people from various areas which has added to increased parking in the residential St. Malachy’s Drive area.”

Councillor Clarke said the Housing Executive owns a pocket of land in the area which it is discussing transferring to Down Council to provide a parking area close to the playground.

He said new signs are to be erected on the approach road to the playground to remind people not to park in a way which will obstruct access to residents’ homes.

Councillor Clarke said it’s important residents living close to the play area should be allowed to have peaceful enjoyment and access to their homes, “without the daily stress of worrying about people parking cars without any regard for the impact it could have.”

Charlie McAlinden, chairman of the St. Malachy’s Residents Group, thanked the agencies for listening to their concerns and said the groups looks forward to working together with the bodies to addresses various issues.