Parking charges to be introduced on the north coast

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is to begin charging at four car parks on the north coast despite plans previously being put on hold.

Seasonal charges at three seafront car parks in Ballycastle and West Strand in Portrush were due to be introduced last year.

However, concerns were raised that people weren't consulted on the change and the plans didn't go ahead.

A consultation was carried out at the end of last year and on Tuesday night, the council voted to begin charging this summer.

Motorists will pay 50p an hour between April and September.

Rathlin Island residents and those who regularly work on the island will be given permits along with boat owners at Ballycastle Marina.

The DUP council group said it ensures fairness and parity across the borough in the provision of car parking.

"For too long, there have been inconsistencies in how parking charges and concessions are applied, and this decision brings much-needed balance," a spokesperson said.

Free parking for Rathlin residents and boat owners "recognises the unique needs of our coastal communities while ensuring that a consistent approach is taken across all areas", they added.

However, Sinn Féin's Cara McShane said her party did not want the charges to be introduced at any of the car parks.

The councillor said it was a "significant levy" for families who live and work there and had no alternative but to use the car parks.

McShane said Ballycastle is "not a market town, we cannot be compared to other areas within Causeway Coast and Glens."

"We are the only community with an inhabited island just six miles across the water," she added.

The views of the Rathlin Development Community Association and local business people were ignored, according to the councillor.

Maria Bakewell's family owns a pub on the seafront in Ballycastle which they also live above.

Ms Bakewell is a teacher on Rathlin Island.

She said she "is extremely disappointed" and that she "feels let down" by the decision.

Ms Bakewell estimated it would cost her family an extra £5,000 a year to park outside their home and business.

"There are four cars and having to park in that car park every day meaning the cost is imposed on us," she said.

"There is a street outside our house which you get an hour to park on so we don't have an option."

BBC News NI has contacted Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for comment.