Pay and display plans scrapped

Only last month the Star reported that Lisburn City Council had voiced its opposition to the move.

At Monday night’s meeting of the council’s planning committee DRD officials were present and reported that as a result of council’s letter opposing the metering for parking at Longstone Street they will no longer pursue this plan - news that will delight local traders.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Andrew Ewing who raised the issue with the DRD representatives present said he welcomed the decision

“I appreciated Roads Service talking with Lisburn City Council and listening to our views not to proceed with pay and display, which we believe would have had a detrimental impact on local traders.

“This is a very positive outcome and the right decision has been made to abandon these proposals,” Mr Ewing said.

Councillor Stephen Martin warmly welcomed the decision. He said: “I am over the moon that Roads Service have confirmed that they will not be pursuing their idea to introduce on-street parking along Longstone Street. Ever since the proposal came to light at the beginning of October, traders and residents have been unequivocal in their opposition to the scheme.”

He added: “There was no apparent benefit whatsoever to the local community by its introduction and I am delighted that Roads Service have responded so quickly in confirming that the proposal has been consigned to the dustbin. By doing so the well-founded concerns of everyone on the Longstone have been eased. Traders can now go back to what they are good at which is bringing business to our city rather than being distracted by the recent uncertainty created by the pay and display plans.”

“This is a job very well done by all those who made their opinions heard loud and clear.”

A DRD spokesperson said: “In 2009 Roads Service carried out a review of on-street parking in Lisburn City centre during which a request was received to consider implementing Pay and Display parking in Longstone Street.

“As a result of this, and as part of the preliminary legislative process, Roads Service recently consulted with Lisburn City Council which subsequently advised that it did not support the proposal.

“Subsequently, Roads Service has decided not to proceed with the proposal.”