Residents dismayed at car parking

Councillor Ronnie Crawford says the concerned locals, situated off Wallace Avenue near to the SERC campus, have reached out to him to ask officials for help.

The residents say young people are dropping litter, intimidating locals and urinating in the street.

A resident explained: “The parking is problematic as they swamp into every available part of the street. Filling the Church car park, parking over the footpath completely blocking cars in, parking over driveways and to top it all, the young students tend to throw their lunch carry out wrappers on the ground too. I am at the end of my tether. The quality of mine and my family’s life is being adversely affected by the ill-considered parking of these non-residents.”

Another resident said: “Often the drivers are students and many of these drivers are particularly inconsiderate, treating the street as their own private car park. Many of them leave their litter behind and have been rude to residents. One chose to use the front of the church as a urinal.”

They continued: “If someone comes to visit a resident during the day nine times out of ten they will find no parking available in the street. My elderly neighbour has carers visiting three times a day, and most days they must park over my driveway as there are no other spaces available.

“I understand that parking is a contentious issue within Lisburn at the minute, and have no doubt that the introduction of the ‘Pay and Display’ system has aggravated our situation.“

behaviour

Mr Crawford said that he has contacted the relevant bodies to discuss the matter: “I have written to SERC, although the College are not responsible for student activities outside the college, the behaviour of some of the students leaves much to be desired.

“I have also asked the DRD for an on-site meeting to draw up proposals to address the problems. I have also tried to contact the church whose car park facilities are being used without permission. It is unacceptable that residents of the street should be caused such hassle and inconvenience.“

A DRD Roads service spokeswoman said: “The Department are more than happy to meet with Mr Crawford to discuss his parking concerns. A meeting will be arranged in due course.”