Development in Castle Ward discussed by councillors

The sites, in Mill Road , Newcomen Road , Winstanley Road , Knox Road and Palk Road , are currently being used as car parks and amenity areas.

Following extensive resident consultation and surveys showing the usage of the car parks, it is recommended that all seven car parks are closed, and further public consultation is carried out to determine how to enhance and develop the amenity areas. Consultation was carried out in 2008, with residents being sent questionnaires and attending an exhibition at the Victoria Centre and a study of how much the car parks are used both in the day time and at night was carried out this summer. The results showed that the majority of residents were in support of developing the car park sites for housing, and that the community wants to be involved in determining the future development of the amenity sites.

Councillor Graham Lawman, chairman of the development committee, explains more: "The general feeling in the community is that the car parks are an eyesore, with a perception of being unsafe and encouraging anti-social behaviour. Most residents were in favour of developing these sites for housing. There were some concerns raised about the availability of alternative parking, which we are looking at. Our studies have shown that the car parks are underused, but we do appreciate residents' concerns and I will be asking the committee for agreement to look at traffic control measures to stop the roads becoming congested.

"Residents were keen to be involved in the development of the amenity sites, with suggestions put forward including better public gardens, play areas, sports facilities and provisions for both young people and the elderly. There are three sites being looked at and we hope to conduct further public consultation to make sure we deliver what the community wants."