Parking – or the lack thereof – in Markethill has become so problematic for one Armagh resident that she says it’s “putting her off” visiting the town.
The woman – who wished to remain anonymous – told Armagh I that cars often double park or park sideways and that there seems to be no time restrictions in place along the main street, all of which result in chaos during peak shopping times.
Of her most recent visit she said that, after circling the town for half an hour in search of a space, she almost “gave up” before finding a space out of “sheer fluke”.
Described as her favourite shopping destination, “where I can get everything”, the lady who described herself as an “old age pensioner” with moderate mobility issues is concerned that the majority of available spaces may be being utilised by staff working in businesses along the busy main street.
She described a conversation with a local business owner, who agreed: “The lady I spoke to owns a business along the Main Street and she said that at least twelve of the cars, which are parked there all day, belong to staff.
By way of a possible solution, she added: “Even if they were able to park out towards where the old hotel used to be and walk in to work, it would leave spaces available for shoppers.”
She mentioned that she visits the town regularly to shop and, when there, she often visits a variety of businesses – almost always spending money.
The issue of parking in Markethill and its detrimental impact on the accessibility of the high street is one that has been voiced before.
Two years ago, Alderman Jim Speers spoke on behalf of “concerned traders” at a meeting of the council’s economic development and regeneration committee who believed that parking spaces were being taken up all day by those who park in the town and head elsewhere in another car.
At the time, the Alderman noted the lack of parking restrictions in the town – which shouldn’t be necessarily regarded as a negative.
Related: Markethill traders frustrated by those who park up all day and head elsewhere
However, without requesting the imposition of restrictions or presence of parking enforcement officers, he was unsure of how to outline clear measures to tackle the problem.
Council’s head of economic development, Nicola Wilson had suggested the local authority could look to put “some sort of communication plan” in place to dissuade people from parking in these free spaces.
Adding: “It is disappointing in areas where there are no parking restrictions that people do that and take advantage of what they see as free parking.”
Ms Wilson did note “council does have a role to play” and suggested speaking to a number of traders to effect the “communication plan”.
The suggestion lends itself to the solution suggested by the resident we spoke to but – due to the difficulty enacting an effective communication-based strategy that would be adhered to by all – may be somewhat of a pipedream.
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