Pensioners blocked by rogue parking at Magherafelt's leisure centre

A long running parking problem at Magherafelt's Greenvale leisure centre has resurfaced with appeals from local councillors for motorists to show residents consideration.
Parking at Greenvale leisure centre, MagherafeltParking at Greenvale leisure centre, Magherafelt
Parking at Greenvale leisure centre, Magherafelt

The former Magherafelt District Council worked for years to come up with a solution to the issue, including increasing the number of spaces in parks surrounding the leisure facility and calling in enforcement agencies to take action.

Oaps living in bungalows across from the Greenvale are plagued by motorists parking on the footpaths and blocking entry to their homes.

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Local Sinn Féin councillor Darren Totten yesterday appealed to motorists to use the existing parks.

Parking at Greenvale leisure centre, MagherafeltParking at Greenvale leisure centre, Magherafelt
Parking at Greenvale leisure centre, Magherafelt

“I have received a large number of complaints from residents as well as their family members and carers regarding this issue,” he said. “Motorists are parking their cars on footpaths and causing unnecessary safety concerns for the older people living in the area. The motorists involved in this activity need to give consideration to the needs of the residents living in the local neighbourhood.”

DUP councillor Paul McLean said people using the Greenvale needed to be more sensitive as to where they park, particularly during the evenings. “I would ask motorists to show consideration to the people living in the Greenvale area and use the car parks provided by the council,” he said. “Consideration must be shown to the residents, who are mostly pensioners, and have concerns about access for family, carers and emergency services.”

Councillor Totten pointed out that he has been liaising with those statutory organisations who are tasked with responsibility for public safety, parking and our footpaths “to see if we can have this ongoing and unnecessary problem sorted”

“A good start would be for the motorists involved taking responsibility and changing their behaviour by parking safely in nearby car-parks.”

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