Park barriers cause chaos

SIR, — I would like to know who is responsible for the trauma caused to a family in Newcastle recently.

An elderly couple and their two daughters were parked at the Downs Road car park close to the Slieve Donard Hotel when the man’s wife became ill.

An ambulance was called, but paramedics were unable to drive the ambulance to the family car as a result of the barriers which have been erected at the car park entrance to prevent motorhomes from accessing the area.

As a result, the paramedics had to unload their equipment, including a stretcher, and rush through the car park on foot to reach the lady. En route, they had to manoeuvre the stretcher over several humps in the road.

After attending to the lady, the paramedics placed her on the stretcher and wheeled her back to the ambulance with the assistance of her family before being taken to hospital.

The height restriction at the entrance to the car park was a major issue for the paramedics who responded to the emergency call.

I would be interested to know how many local councillors voted to erect these barriers and others in the resort? I invite them to come forward to your paper so the ratepayers know who was responsible for the decision.

Could I also ask what would have happened if a car went on fire in this particular car park how the Fire and Rescue Service would gain access to it?

Yours etc,

CONCERNED,

Crossgar,

(Name and address supplied).