Call for plan to replace ‘shelved’ park and ride scheme

At Monday’s Planning and Consultation Committee meeting the University representative said Glenvarna residents were being “tortured” by people parking all day in the area.

He said the estate was being used as a park and ride: “The Roads Service shelved plans to build a park and ride (at Ballyhenry Road), but now Glenvarna is virtually being used for people to park all day while they go to work.

“There is a need for a park and ride and I would hope the Roads Service can look at it again.”

Divisional roads manager Bertie Ellison responded: “I don’t think it is correct to say the plan has been shelved, however we understand the need for a park and ride in the area and will look at this issue for the councillor.”

Councillors raised a wide range of issues with the Roads Service during the meeting including the need for a pedestrian crossing on the O’Neill Road for access to the Valley Park.

Councillor Gerry O’Reilly said: “There is a large volume of traffic at a high speed and Elmfield and Tobar Glen residents are fearful when they are trying to cross the road.

The Roads Service said they would consider a survey of crossings.