Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is urging visitors to respect residents in the area by avoiding parking on sides of roads. The council issued the reminder on social media after reports of “nuisance parking” at Randalstown Road. A spokesperson said: “As we approach the weekend, we would like to remind our visitors that an increase in visitors to the gardens, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays, has put a demand on our car parking facilities. “Whilst we encourage you to take in the beauty of one of our borough’s local gems, we would ask that you respect the residents in the area by avoiding parking on sides of roads, and instead making use of one of the nearby free car parks, such as Castle Street car park or Castle Mall car park. “These car parks are just a short walk from one of the many entrances, and each boast their own unique views of the park. Change your route, change your views and respect our residents.” Antrim and Newtownabbey councillors have been considering improvements to carparking at Antrim Castle Gardens after motorists parked along the river bank and on the footpath at Randalstown Road. The PSNI raised the alarm and has reminded drivers to park responsibly. Police also reported that visitors have been seen driving across grass areas and along footpaths amongst pedestrians when the carparks are full. The PSNI is urging motorists to “park responsibly and be considerate of local residents”. A meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey’s Community Planning Committee was told that “nuisance parking” at Randalstown Road has meant that pedestrians have had to walk on the road. Antrim DUP Councillor Paul Dunlop suggested that signage should be put in place advising that parking is available in the town centre. Council officer Nck Harkness, director of Community Planning, reported that the council has “engaged with the PSNI in the past in challenging that parking” which he described as “more nuisance parking than breaking the law”. Cllr Dunlop suggested that maybe cones could be put out in the residential area on a Saturday and Sunday. Mr Harkness pointed out that only a traffic management company would be allowed to set cones out. Cllr Dunlop commented: “The residents are getting annoyed every weekend.” The officer said that the council could consider signage and a leaflet drop. Antrim Alderman Paul Michael said he welcomed the comments about the leaflet drop. He pointed that he has yet to see the Castle Mall car park full at weekends. “It is not being utilised because the end of it is for some too far to walk. You get those who want to get as close to the entrance as they can get. A leaflet drop and signage is the way forward.” Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor Cllr Jim Montgomery stated: “It is not nuisance parking. It is anti-social behaviour.” He suggested that it could be also be a problem for access by an emergency vehicle. He reported that council staff have been “verbally abused” over parking, Airport DUP Cllr Matthew Magill said that he was not in favour of any additional expenditure when there is a “very good car park opposite the site”. DUP committee chairman Cllr Mark Cooper commented: “This is about being as cost effective as we can.” Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter Click here to read: Mermaids going home to Antrim Castle Gardens -- Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.