Ravenhill parking problems to be 'tackled'

Police have said they are confident in 'tackling' parking problems in and around the home of Ulster rugby.

With up to 12,000 fans expected to descend on Ravenhill nearly every second Friday during the forthcoming season, the parking issue is one of huge concern for local residents.

However, the 'Touch Down' initiative, which was awarded a Community Policing Award earlier this year, swung into action last season. The strategy was highly successful in tackling dangerous and inconsiderate parking.

This scheme was introduced following a close working partnership between Police in Castlereagh and Strandtown, Ulster Rugby and the Cregagh Community Forum.

Inspector William Dodds, from Castlereagh DCU, said that there had been a marked improvement in parking standards as a result of the initiative.

"The key to the continued success lies squarely in partnership," he said. "Complaints have been reduced and the number of fixed penalty tickets which have to be issued has significantly fallen.

"However, this season we will continue to work together to make sure that the rugby games prove to be enjoyable for fans but not a major inconvenience to residents going about their normal business."

Jim Harwood, Secretary of the Cregagh Community Forum, praised the work of the partnership in alleviating a lot of the parking problems.

"We have come a long way since last year due to the patience of the local residents and the help of the PSNI and Ulster Rugby," he said.

"With the start of the new season we will continue to monitor the situation. However, the feedback from local residents is that many of the people attending the matches have been parking more considerately and everyone wants to see this continuing."

Ulster kick-off the new season at home to NEC Harlequins this Friday night.

(MB)