MP to resolve issues over car parking

His comments come after residents and shop owners complained over the reduction of car park space close to the shops as part of the Environmental Improvement Scheme.

He said he has met with residents and the council in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Mr Donaldson said, “I welcome the fact that the council is undertaking this improvement scheme but I know there are concerns from shop owners and residents.

“Some of the shops owners and residents have expressed great concerns about the new parking arrangements.

“And I have met with council officials to make sure their concerns are addressed.”

He said that he will continue to press the Roads Service to provide a layby close to the shops.

One resident Henry Williamson claimed that the council spent money for an improvement scheme in the area which has caused great concern among residents.

“They decided they would reduce the size of the car park to the shopping complex at the shops in Milltown, Derriaghy,” he said.

“Their shops were built in 1963 with 14 car spaces now the council has decided to reduce the parking space to two to three cars.

Surely that is common knowledge that there are more parking spaces required in 2015 than 50 years ago.

“This is a ridiculous situation the tarmac has been ripped up and replaced with soil and the footpath to the front of the shops has been reduced approximately by three feet.

“Trees have been planted too which will restrict the passage for a wheelchair or a pram.

“The council can make good their damage to Milltown by demolishing the disused Derriaghy Primary School and build replacement shops.”

A spokesperson for the council said, “Lisburn City Council is undertaking an Environmental Improvement Scheme (EIS) at Milltown, Derriaghy.

“The purpose of the scheme is to improve the local area by softening the landscape with trees and grass, to utilise the existing space and formalise the car park area at the local shops to create nine spaces and resurface the carriageway.

“Formerly parking was in a surfaced area with no dedicated spaces.

“The work is still under construction and will be complete by the end of April 2015.”