By Lisa Ramsden
A PETITION has been launched by a Newcastle resident who is “sick and tired” of the noise coming from antisocial antics in a car park close to her home.
Rita Longlands is so incensed by the near daily “deafening” noise pollution and antisocial behaviour in Donard car park that she has launched the petition in a bid to get the longstanding problem tackled, once and for all.
She said the behaviour of some drivers at the weekend had her at breaking point, spurring her on to initiate the petition. Rita said the noise started at lunchtime on Sunday and got even louder as the hours passed. With vehicles, some of which are fitted with modified exhausts, having their engines revved, Rita added that the back-firing “sounds like an explosion” and that people in the vicinity of the council-owned public car park are “at their wits’ end.”
Pointing out that the car park is bordered by several assisted living facilities, Mrs Longlands said that she and some of her neighbours feel let down, with others “driven to distraction.” “This is happening on a near daily basis in some shape or form, and the noise is unbearable,” she said. “The council has a duty of care to control this car park, and it should be doing something about this rather than expecting people like me to put up with it.”
Mrs Longlands added that the noise is “intolerable.” “We have tried the police, I have gone to our councillors and it’s got to the point where I don’t know what to do. When I have contacted police, the officers have been very sympathetic, but they can’t be everywhere and I suppose they have to prioritise things, but we are getting to the point that I dread to think what will happen.
“The cars are entering and exiting the car park at speed and then racing along our roads. It’s only a matter of time before one of these drivers ends up in a bad smash, and I cannot sit back any longer. I cannot have that on my conscience, and that is why I have started this petition to try and bring a bit more attention to the issue.”
Acknowledging this problem is well-known, Mrs Longlands said previous work carried out in the car park to change its layout and in a bid to address some of the problems “was pointless.” “This sort of behaviour used to be at the weekends, and in the better months, but drivers are gathering here year-round. It’s a nightmare and we are stuck with it. It’s just so unfair, and we need to have our concerns taken seriously.”
Mrs Longlands said that the petition will, in due course, be handed over to a local councillor or at council headquarters. In the intervening period, she is encouraging as many people as possible to sign it. To access it online visit change.org and, using its search engine, look up ‘Donard car park’.
Councillor Willie Clarke is supporting Mrs Longlands’ endeavours. Urging residents “to sign this petition against ongoing disturbances,” Mr Clarke said he is “backing a growing community campaign to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour and reckless driving.”
“The disturbances have become a serious concern for local families and elderly residents living nearby,” he said, adding that Mrs Longlands’ campaign will, hopefully, lead to the introduction of “stronger enforcement and safety measures in the area.”
Conceding that “urgent action” is required, Mr Clarke added: “Sinn Fein activists will be going door-to-door in the coming days to gather signatures and ensure those most affected have their voices heard. This situation is unacceptable for residents who are being disturbed every night.
“The council has agreed to install larger speed ramps in the overflow car park, and I’m calling for a co-ordinated response from the PSNI, the council, and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership to restore peace to the area.”
Mr Clarke said people have had enough of sleepless nights, noise and disruption. He added that this car park and surrounding area “should be a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
Download the Mourne Observer App to read the digital edition – click here for android – here for apple
