Bryansford Problem Parking Issues Addressed

th July ) held at the exit gate of Tollymore Forest Park to address the problem of vehicle parking. Those who attended included Mr Robert Sharpe and Mr Robert Monaghan from Roads Service, Down District Newcastle Councillors Carmel O’Boyle and Dessie Patterson, Kevin McKeaveney, Chairman of Bryansford Village Committee, and members of the committee and local residents. The meeting was convened in order to allow local people to air their concerns about the on-going issue of people who park their cars along the Burrenreagh Road and along the main road into the village in order to access Tollymore Forest Park through the exit gate, thus avoiding having to pay. [caption id="attachment_25775" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Councillors Dessie Patterson and Carmel O'Boyle with members of Bryansford Village Committee and local residents with Road Service representatives Robert Sharpe and Robert Monaghan. Included is Kevin McKeaveney, Committee Chairman."][/caption] Following the meeting, SDLP Councillor Carmel O’Boyle said, “Despite a lot of recent media interest in this story, some people continue to inconvenience local people by parking their cars near the exit to the forest park in order to avoid having to pay to go in. Even while we were holding our meeting, runners and walkers were abandoning their cars and entering Tollymore without paying. “While the Roads representatives have done as much as they can within their powers, we need to ensure that the PSNI and the Forest Service become more actively involved in deterring this behaviour. A further meeting is now being organised that will include all of the agencies with responsibilities in this matter. I have learned that the same situation is happening at the exit gate of Tollymore Forest Park near to the Priest’s Bridge. “People are abandoning their cars outside of residents’ homes, allowing their dogs to foul  in this area, and then continuing their walk via the exit gate and entering Tollymore Forest Park without paying. This behaviour is disgraceful and anti-social, and the people responsible need to be named and shamed. The Forest Service is going to have to do something to prevent people from entering the park through the exit gates without paying. “We have no intention of giving up on this matter. A meagre annual payment of £40 would allow all of these people to drive their cars into our forest parks every day of the year, and they would be leaving local people to enjoy their homes in peace,” explained Councillor O’Boyle. Councillor Dessie Patterson added, “Regarding the parking of cars in Bryansford village, those people who park along the Burrenreagh Road have no regard for other road users when they park on both sides of the road. It means that vehicles cannot get through and as many park on the pavements, they are obstructing the pavement for people walking and pushing prams. “These pedestrians are being forced to walk on the road. With a large car-park in Tollymore Forest Park, the drivers should be purchasing a yearly ticket from the forestry service which in turn will make easier for villagers to go about their daily business, support the forestry service in maintenance and keep cars off the road.” Kevin McKeaveney, Chairperson of the Bryansford Village Committee, said that “despite the Roads Service recently putting in place double yellow lines to deter irresponsible parking, a minority of visitors have continued to park where they like regardless of the law, safety issues or the needs of local residents.” He added, “The situation has got worse during the summer season and it is now time to examine enforcement and penalty options with the PSNI, and seek the input and support of the Forestry Service to monitor visitor access to the park”. A further meeting between residents, local councillors and relevant statutory agencies is being planned. It is anticipated that a clear and co-ordinated strategy to resolve the parking issue will be agreed and resourced.]]>