Clarke calls for more on-street parking in Harryville

Councillor Clarke said he welcomed the announcement of the charge for parking at the site, known locally as ‘Ken’s Car park’, by Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy.

He said: “As a Councillor for the Harryville area, I have known about this for a number of months and at first I was not happy about it because we have always been used to free parking in Harryville.

“But, many people have approached me who are fed up trying to get into the car park because it is always full of all-day parkers”.

Cllr Clarke pointed out that attempting to get a parking spot on the street was similarly frustrating for motorists given that only eight parking spaces had been officially designated on Henry Street.

“I have been dealing with DRD Roads Service on this matter for a number of months and have requested about 20 spaces for free parking on Henry Street including two disabled bays and a loading bay which would give people an hour to park to do their shopping.

“If I can get all this then I am happy with charging for the car park because it would free up spaces and deter all-day parking,” said Cllr Clarke who put his request to local Roads Service representative Mervyn Orr on site last Thursday.

“It has been agreed that Roads Service will look at my suggestion and hopefully agree with it,” said Cllr Clarke.

A Roads Service spokesperson said Roads Service is currently carrying out a review of the existing waiting restrictions in the Harryville area of Ballymena and this includes Henry Street.

The spokesperson continued: “As well as reviewing the current ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions, consideration is being given to providing parking bays for disabled persons’ vehicles and for loading/unloading associated with local businesses.

“The consultation will consider the views of stakeholders including the police, Council and traders. The outcome will be subject to the normal legal processes associated with changes to legislation”.