A proposed parking arrangement for Royal Mail vans near the delivery office on Upper English Street in Armagh is awaiting final documentation before it can be completed, potentially easing a long-running on-street parking problem.
The issue was raised after ABC Council wrote to Royal Mail about several local concerns relating to its service. Parking problems were identified in Armagh, Craigavon and Banbridge, with councillors seeking updates on discussions about additional facilities.
Off-site parking plan awaits paperwork
Royal Mail Executive Correspondence Manager Gary Redmond said the company had been working with ABC Council to secure additional off-site parking close to the Armagh delivery office. He said the proposed licence had received the necessary internal approval, but final documentation was still awaited from the council so the agreement could be formally completed.
Royal Mail said the arrangement was intended to provide a longer-term answer to pressure on parking around the delivery office, while reducing the effect on nearby residents and businesses. The proposed temporary agreement is expected to run for three years, according to the council discussion.
Mark Halliday, the council’s head of estates and asset management, said the licence agreement had been drafted and issued to Royal Mail’s solicitors after committee approval. Follow-up work was under way to have it signed and allow the parking to begin.
Councillor reports seven vans parked on street
SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon sought an update at the council’s October monthly meeting. He said he had visited Armagh during the week and counted seven Royal Mail vans parked on the street, including vehicles near the area in front of the Charlemont Hotel.
Mr O’Hanlon said the problem had not gone away and asked for the latest position on the temporary parking agreement. His comments followed earlier concerns about what he described as notorious parking problems in that area.
Banbridge parking concerns also raised
Royal Mail said it had also engaged with colleagues and relevant local authorities about parking at Craigavon, with the aim of reducing pressure on surrounding roads and limiting the impact of its operations on the local community.
Alliance Councillor Joy Ferguson said she had separately raised Royal Mail vehicle parking at Scarva Street Plaza in Banbridge, although that issue was not covered in the correspondence received by the council. She asked for it to be followed up.
DUP Councillor Ian Wilson called for measures to stop vehicles parking on the plaza, saying oil leaking from vehicles had marked the surface. He argued that physical barriers should be considered after investment in the plaza and Banbridge town centre.