Resident claims Markethill parking mayhem is ‘putting shoppers off’ visiting town

and

Dec 06, 2024

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.

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.

Headlines

💨 Amber weather warning! Storm Darragh to bring 70mph gusts across Co Armagh

🍢 Armagh firm fined over inaccurate labelling of kebabs

🏑 Portadown hockey star (16) receives bursary to take game to next level

👏 Deirdre Breen and Friends of Hospice reach £1 million total raised for ‘vital’ service

🚨 Children’s Christmas gifts destroyed as masked men ransack Caledon daycare facility

🏃‍♀️ Community walking track planned at Co Armagh GAA club

⚖️ Woman ‘viciously assaulted’ partner in front of child in Armagh hotel

👮‍♂️ Man (27) arrested after seizure of £200,000 worth of cannabis

🚔 Man attempts to steal vehicles from Armagh city car sales forecourt

⚖️ Woman stole over £100 in goods from Home Bargains in Armagh

💇‍♀️ Micheala celebrates five ‘Divine’ years at salon in Armagh

🏏 Unperturbed Armagh cricket club hope to turn recent vandalism into ‘something positive’

🌉 Restoration of historic Dromore Viaduct one of four key ideas to ‘transform’ Co Down town

👩 #NoExcuse campaign supports ending violence against women and girls

⚖️ Man guilty of child rape and possessing vast hoard of indecent images

🚨 Drop Inn Ministries Richhill appeal for witnesses after shop ‘ransacked’ overnight

🛞 Tyres dumped at Gosford Forest Park for second time in two weeks

🚔 Police pursuit in Richhill ends with driver – and suspected thief – being found in field

Notice Board

From Waiting For A King To Following A Star | December 6, 2024 | 8pm | Cantare Ladies Choir (Siobhán Taylor, Musical Director, Derek Dunn, Accompanist) present 'From Waiting For A King To Following A Star' in Edenderry Memorial Methodist Church, Carrickblacker Road, Portadown.
Proceeds from donations will go to The Alzheimer's Society NI, Edenderry Memorial Methodist Church and Cantare Ladies Choir.
Camlough Christmas Lights Switch On | Saturday, December 7 | 6.30pm | Santa will arrive at 7pm | Family fun, singing with a few special guests.
Killeavy GAC Festive Fun Day | Sunday, December 8 | 1 - 6pm | Grotto, Christmas Fair, Entertainment, Crafts and Festive Treats | Santa visit £5 per child.
Lurgan Tesco Christmas Toy Gifting | Monday, November 18, to Saturday December 14, Tesco Carnegie St Superstore is organising a collection of toys in store and sharing these with The Salvation Army. All donated toys will go to local children within the community to ensure no child is left out at Christmas.

Email info@armaghi.com if you want to have something included on our newsletter noticeboard.

What’s On…

Thursday 6 March | 8pm | £27.50

A fantastic evening with three of Ireland’s biggest and best Country stars as they present some of the most well know hit songs of Country Music.

Sing along with iconic hits from Don Williams, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, John Denver, Hank Williams, Jim Reeves, Vince Gill and many more.

Buy Tickets

Armagh Jobs

🆕 Redrock Machinery require Shot Blasters and Store Assistants.

🆕 GCS Solicitors Armagh require Legal Bookkeeper and Solicitor.

✅ Maxxpresso Drive-Thru require Barista.

✅ Hamilton Court Care Home require Head Cook and Health Care Assistant.

✅ Maxx Life Gym & Maxxpresso require a Growth and Digital Marketer.

✅ Maxx Life Gym require Member Support and Progress Coach and Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer / Gym Assistant.

✅ WR Hamilton require a Delivery Driver and Sales Representative.

✅ P&D Refurbishing require a Store Person.

✅ Motor Vehicle Transportation require an Office Administrator.

✅ Tullynagrow Circle K, Nisa, Carnagh House Off Licence require Retail Staff.

✅ Mount Charles have a number of full time roles across Armagh and beyond.

🆕 Hugh Pall Armagh require Business Growth and Sales Administrator.

✅ Armagh City Hotel require Seasonal Housekeeper and Deli Chef.

✅ Maxxpresso Drive-Thru require Barista.

✅ Tullynagrow Circle K, Nisa, Carnagh House Off Licence require Retail Staff.

✅ County Armagh Golf Club require an Office Administrator.

✅ Mount Charles require Cleaning Operatives and Catering Assistants.

🛎️ If you have a job and want to advertise it to 40,000 daily users on www.armaghjobs.com and www.armaghi.com, as well as more than 9,000 people on this newsletter and our 100,000 social media followers, get in touch.