Motorists asked to 'show a bit of respect' to residents

ANTRIM Town Alliance councillor and Firfields resident Neil Kelly has offered reassurance to the residents of The Lough Road regarding car parking issues.

Councillor Kelly said: “This has been an ongoing issue and I have been engaging with residents to let them know that I am working with council staff and others to ensure there is as little disruption as possible when large events are at the Antrim Forum or the stadium.

“Over this last couple of years we have put signs up which say “residents parking only” we also ask the organisers of the events to send out information to those attending to tell them that free parking is available at the Dublin Road car park and Central car park at Castle Mall.

“Council staff also deliver letters to residents explaining when the large events are being held and what time they are on. These are delivered a few days before the event is due to be held. We also have security staff at the forum roundabout and “road closed” signs at the entrance to Firfields on the day of large events which has proven to be a success.

“The issues regarding parking at Firfields are not all due to events at the Forum, and just a few weeks ago a residents driveway was blocked by a car for some time.

“On that day there was an event on at the Education Authority in the old Antrim High School site which caused victors to park in and around Firfields.

“I do appreciate that people can park in residential areas as long as they don’t block driveways or cause an obstruction but I would urge visitors to have a bit of respect for people living in the area especially when we have several large free car parks a couple of minutes walk away.

“Saturdays are particularly busy on the Lough Road as we have the park run at the Lough at 9.30am as well as football matches after 10am as well as the golfers at Massereene Golf Club and when you add in events at the Education Authority and the Forum, then problems arise. As I have said I have been working with staff to alleviate issues caused by events at the Forum and will continue to work with others regarding other issues.

“Regardless of events parking has been an issue for some time. The houses in Firfields where built in the 50s when a family was lucky to have one car and available car parking spaces were not the issue it is today.

“Some families now have two or three cars each and sometimes more and there just isn’t enough spaces for those living there which makes is so important we get the message across to visitors to show a bit of understanding and respect to residents”

He added: “If anyone would like to talk to me about car parking on the Lough Road please contact me on 07545992615.”