Newry and Mourne District Council

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Newry City Centre Strategic Development Framework March 2004 S Parking in the city centre S 4% said loading and off-loading should be restricted to outside trading hours Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. 71% responded, some making more than one comment. 26 comments were generated in total: 2.3 Respondents were asked to briefly mention what they would like to see done to address their concerns and whom they think is responsible. 45% responded with the following statements: Parking Issues: S 16% commented saying there is a lack of disabled parking in the town while a further 12% said parking facilities in general are poor S 4% said there is no parking facility for the market S 4% said disabled parking facilities should be reserved for disabled only S 4% highlighted parking and traffic congestion as two major problems in Newry S 4% said parking costs should be revised S 4% said there is not enough free parking for people working in the city centre Other Issues Raised: S 12% said it is difficult for disabled people to gain access to some shops and other buildings S 12% said vandalism, anti-social behaviour and personal safety are amongst the most important issues to be addressed S 4% said they do not feel safe in the city centre at night, a further 4% added they feel unsafe in the area at weekends while another 4% said they have no worries regarding personal safety S 4% said the traffic lights on Canal Street and Catherine Street cause major problems S 4% said joyriding is a problem in Newry S 4% said it is difficult for workers to get into work on time due to traffic S 4% said it is difficult to transport disabled people due to congestion S 4% said there is a need for a police foot patrol S 4% said there is too much development around the Quay’s area and not enough in Bridge Street S 4% said many roads are in a state of disrepair S 4% of respondents said Newry is in need of an effective traffic control system S 4% said multi-national shops are affecting local traders S 4% said traffic congestion is an issue for emergency services S 4% said there are too many obstructions on the walkways in the city centre S 4% said shop service is very impersonal S 4% said the appearance of the city should convey pride and confidence S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S 8% said disabled parking problems should be addressed by the Department of Environment while a further 4% said the Council should be responsible 8% said traffic wardens and police are responsible for addressing traffic problems in Newry 8% said disabled parking is the responsibility of the traffic wardens and a further 4% said there should be more parking designated for disabled people 8% said the Road Service and Council are responsible for congestion issues that must be addressed 4% said shop staff could be more helpful and friendly 4% said action must be taken against vandals 4% said shops should be made accessible to disabled people 4% said there should be consultation with residents when planning extensions such as the Quays while a further 4% said traders should be involved in consultations 4% said the law should enforce penalties on able bodied people parking in disabled spaces 4% said someone should take action in developing more parking in Newry 4% said the law should impose a congestion charge 4% said there should be more neighbourhood watch schemes and community policing 4% said the PSNI are responsible for the safety of the elderly 4% said there should be no large vehicles in Newry during trading hours 4% said shops should not be allowed to display sandwich boards on the footpaths 2.4 The next section covered an extensive range of issues. 34 statements were put to respondents for them to indicate if they ‘strongly agree’, ‘agree’ or ‘strongly disagree’. The following results were recorded. Statement No respons e % Strongly Agree % Agree % Strongly disagree % Newry centre looks alive 21 7 50 21 The city centre is attractive in the evenings and weekends People can buy everything they need in the city centre 7 7 36 50 11 29 47 14 Ferguson McIlveen in association with Mentor and Scott Wilson Page No. 46
Newry City Centre Strategic Development Framework March 2004 Shop fronts are generally attractive and window displays are inviting City centre shops generally offer friendly service City centre shops generally offer value for money Shop opening hours meet customer needs A loyalty scheme for independent traders would help build trade The city centre is developing a niche that attracts customers The city centre needs a special attraction to draw in visitors 21 18 50 11 4 14 64 18 4 18 64 14 4 43 50 4 21 21 36 21 25 18 46 11 11 25 43 21 The market is an attraction 11 14 46 29 The centre has good places to eat and drink There are regular events which fill the streets with people - 29 46 25 14 - 18 68 There are good guides publicising the city 14 - 25 61 It is easy for people to find their way into the city There is a strategy to attract car borne shoppers There are distinct long and short term car parks Parking restrictions and charges are clearly signed There are clear directions to attractions and public facilities People, especially women, feel safe using the routes from the car parks There are traffic calming measures to keep speeds down You can cross the main streets easily and safely There is adequate access for people with disabilities on the streets There is adequate access for people with disabilities in shops and public buildings There are visible cycle racks in key locations 14 11 39 36 18 11 39 32 7 4 39 50 4 7 36 54 11 - 39 50 11 4 32 54 - 7 54 39 4 7 50 39 11 7 21 61 7 7 29 57 18 4 11 68 Streets are kept clean of litter and graffiti - 7 54 36 The streets are well lit 4 25 54 18 The streets are in good repair 11 11 64 14 Street furniture is in the right place and is well maintained Pavements are uncluttered by poles and signs Businesses look after the area outside their property The police are involved in initiatives to make the centre safer and to cut crime There is a clear vision for the development of the city centre Traders and public and community groups are co-operating well together to develop the city centre 11 3 71 14 18 11 36 36 14 7 39 39 29 18 14 39 36 4 29 32 32 4 36 29 A significant number of respondents rated ‘strongly agree’ to various statements. They are as follows. S S S S 43% strongly agree ‘shop opening hours meet customer needs’ 29% strongly agree ‘the centre has good places to eat and drink’ 25% strongly agree ‘the city centre needs a special attraction to draw in visitors’ 25% strongly agree ‘the streets are well lit’ A significant number of respondents rated ‘strongly disagree’ to various statements. They are as follows. S S S S 68% strongly disagree ‘there are visible cycle racks in key locations’ 61% strongly disagree ‘there is adequate access for people with disabilities on the streets’ 68% strongly disagree ‘there are regular events which fill the streets with people’ 61% strongly disagree ‘there are good guides publicising the city’ Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. 29% responded producing 22 comments: S S S 4% said the public toilets do not meet the needs of the disabled while a further 4% said the toilet facilities in general are poor 4% of respondents would like an increased number of seats in Newry 4% said litter is a problem in the city centre Ferguson McIlveen in association with Mentor and Scott Wilson Page No. 47
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Newry and Mourne District Council

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