Cheaper parking to continue in Magherafelt

Motorists in Magherafelt are to continue benefitting from the cheaper parking scheme which was launched at Christmas.
Environment Minister due to rule on four supermarket planning application which could impact Magherafelt town centre.Environment Minister due to rule on four supermarket planning application which could impact Magherafelt town centre.
Environment Minister due to rule on four supermarket planning application which could impact Magherafelt town centre.

The scheme - which was also welcomed by business owners - will run for another six months allowing motorists to use the car parks for five hours for £1.

DRD Minister Danny Kennedy also announced he was rolling the scheme out to 24 other towns from this Saturday.

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In Magherafelt the scheme was hailed a success by some shop owners who said it attracted and kept shoppers in town for longer.

Magherafelt has to compete for business with neighbouring Cookstown where car parking is free.

Mid Ulster Assembly members Ulster Unionist Sandra Overend and the DUP’s Ian McCrea both welcomed the Minister’s decision.

Mrs Overend said: “This scheme will allow shoppers to save money while parking, allowing them to shop for longer and which has the knock-on effect of giving businesses a boost, and I know that Magherafelt will benefit from the extension, as the scheme is rolled out in Rainey Street and Union Road.

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“This follows the Minister’s progressive policies in freezing car parking charges and securing a zero per cent increase in Translink fairs in 2014. These policies are crucial at a time when living standards are continuing to be squeezed, and show the Minister’s commitment to doing what’s right for Northern Ireland.”

Mr McCrea added: “Long has it been a concern of local businesses and residents about parking charges in Magherafelt and this in turn prompted me to raise the matter with the DRD Minister on many occasions.”

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