Visitors to local beauty spots are being urged to show consideration after problems being experienced by local residents at one popular walking route were highlighted at last week’s meeting of Mid Ulster District Council.
While issues with inconsiderate parking at Iniscarn Forest near Desertmartin were raised specifically, Chair of the Council, Councillor Cathal Mallaghan, has said there is also a wider issue with the distance people are travelling to take exercise and with litter.
“We have to welcome the fact that so many people are choosing to enjoy some exercise in the fresh air in forests and parks right across the Mid Ulster region and there is no doubt that getting outside to exercise is so important as we negotiate our way through this current lockdown,” said Councillor Mallaghan.
“However, the current guidance is very clear that we should not be travelling more than 10 miles from our homes to take exercise.
“Where people are travelling to exercise, they must also remember that these are places where people live and need to be able to access their homes without negotiating badly parked cars or, worse still, not being able to get their own vehicles out because roads are blocked.
“Even more concerning is the potentially life-threatening impact of this kind of inconsiderate parking on access for the emergency services.
“And, as always, our final ask – and we shouldn’t even have to ask! – is that visitors also respect the local environment by taking their litter home.”
