CARS speeding on a main local thoroughfare are leaving families “frightened in their own homes.”
That’s according to Mournes councillor Laura Devlin, who has voiced concerns about “extremely loud and speeding cars along the Castlewellan Road outside Newcastle,” following “a weekend of complaints from residents” about this.
The SDLP representative stated that the situation has “become intolerable for families living nearby, many of whom are now frightened in their own homes.”
“All weekend, residents have been contacting me about the noise and speed of cars racing up and down the Castlewellan Road,” she continued.
“People are genuinely afraid, and some parents have told me they are now reluctant to let their children play outside because they fear the road has become a death trap.
“No community should have to live with this level of anxiety.”
Cllr Devlin highlighted that she has called on the PSNI to “dedicate specific resources to this stretch of road” and urged “anyone who hears loud or dangerous driving to report it.”
“This allows the police to attend, when possible, but, just as importantly, it ensures incidents are logged so there is a clear record of what local people are dealing with,” she stressed.
The issue has also been flagged with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
“Given the recent collisions on this road, I will be reaching out to DfI for an updated assessment,” said the local councillor.
“We need to know what steps can be taken to improve safety and prevent further tragedies.
“We have already suffered heartbreak on the Castlewellan Road, and none of us want to see this repeated in future.
“We need to see action to reduce the chances of further collisions.
“Residents deserve to feel safe.
“I will continue to press all relevant agencies until real improvements are delivered.”
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