Traders want reduced rates and parking charges

A BLUEPRINT for the survival of Castlebar town centre has been put to members of the Castlebar Municipal District.

The main proposals focus on the need for a reduction (50 per cent) in rates, one hour free street parking, plus a €2 charge for full day parking in car parks.

Said traders’ spokesperson, Mary Fahy: “We need to see more transparency and fairness on how rates are charged in our town.”

Traders have also impressed on the Castlebar Municipal District members the ‘need for at least one more primary bus stop at the Welcome Inn Hotel side of town’.

“The present location of the bus stop is not ideal,” Ms. Fahy stated. “There are no toilet facilities, no coffee shop and the present bus stop is located on a hill. A better, more accessible location could be found nearer the town centre.”

Town traders strongly feel that the central area is in need of a makeover.

They proposed outdoor furniture outside premises, without incurring extra charge, brighter street lighting, bigger and better signage in carparks and side streets alerting the public to the location of the town centre, more hanging baskets and better management and control of kerbside trees.

Finally, the traders, who were well received by municipal district members and officials, are calling for stronger curbs on anti-social behaviour and loitering.