Retailers and residents in the Church Street and Bawn Street areas of Strokestown have expressed serious concerns over planned regeneration works as part of the Town Centres First initiative.
At a pre-planning meeting with members of Roscommon County Council and the contractors, residents highlighted safety concerns, a lack of available parking, the addition of a cycle lane, the maintenance of proposed green areas, the location of bus stops, access to local businesses and homes, disabled parking, and fears that the town’s historic streetscape would be affected. Some of those present called for scaled-back works to be considered.
However, those in attendance were told that a funding application was not likely to be successful unless “major design changes” were proposed.
Director of Services Majella Hunt, who chaired the meeting, added that the Council would take on board issues raised and that submissions could also be made at the public consultation phase.
Many of those present on Monday night vented their frustration around a perceived lack of consultation with business owners and residents, with some accusing the Council of implementing changes that weren’t needed or desired in Strokestown.
