South Down MP Chris Hazzard has said “a new approach” is needed to try and resolve long-running antisocial problems at Newcastle’s Donard car park.
Mr Hazzard said residents have been “significantly impacted” by the issue and added they have shown “incredible determination and patience.” He plans to convene a meeting which, he hopes, will pave the way for a “concrete plan of action.”
The MP recently met with concerned residents, during which they reiterated in detail the extent of the trouble, much of which occurs at night. A petition was launched in June by resident Rita Longlands, calling for an end to racers and antisocial behaviour in the car park. Attracting over 700 signatures—most from local people—the petition appeals to the car park’s owner, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, to “ensure it is a safe and respectful place for everyone.”
When launching the petition, Mrs Longlands told the Mourne Observer that the problem had become “intolerable.” She said she was “sick and tired” of the noise coming from antisocial antics in the car park close to her home. She added that she hoped her petition would help to get the longstanding problem tackled once and for all.
Mrs Longlands said the behaviour of some drivers at the weekend had her at breaking point, spurring her on to initiate the petition.
In the full article more details of the meeting that Chris Hazzard hopes to organise about addressing the issues in Donard Park.
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