Hamilton Welcomes Fee Reduction In Hinch Car Parks

STRANGFORD DUP Assembly candidate Simon Hamilton and Ballynahinch Down District Council candidate Yvonne Moore have welcomed confirmation by the Department for Regional Development that charges are to be reduced at Windmill Street car park in Ballynahinch. Following on from a meeting organised by Jim Shannon MP with traders in the town, the DUP used a meeting with the Minister for Regional Development in the Market House to raise the issue and call for a reduction in the charges in the pay and display car park. [caption id="attachment_22692" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Strangford MLA Simon Hamilton with Down District Council election candidate Yvonne Moore in the Windmill Street car park have welcomed the reduction in car parking charges."][/caption] Simon Hamilton said, “The DUP in Ballynahinch are determined to see the huge potential that the town has realised. We see the physical regeneration of the town is key to that. We hope and will continue to work hard for the development of a regeneration scheme that will spruce up the streets of Ballynahinch with better footways, lighting, street furniture and public space. “Indeed, when the new Social Development Minister is appointed, we will be inviting that person to Ballynahinch to see for themselves the need to renew Ballynahinch town centre. “Another important issue raised with us by local traders was the cost of parking in Windmill Street car park.xa0 They felt that the cost of 30p per hour was too high and was putting undue pressure on parking elsewhere in the town. We vowed to raise this matter with the Department and did so at our meeting with Minister Conor Murphy in November. He understood our concerns and resolved to review the pricing policy. “We are glad that the Department for Regional Development has now agreed to reduce the tariff at the Windmill Street car park to 30p for three hours.xa0 This is not only a lower hourly charge but will encourage people to spend more time in the town. “We know there is an issue with the possible charging for on-street parking in Ballynahinch.xa0 The DUP will therefore fight to ensure that nothing is done that would damage any of our town centres. “But this is good news for Ballynahinch and just one step forward in our drive to regenerate the town and we look forward to it being implemented soon”, added Mr Hamilton.]]>