Councillors from the Cusher have taken part in a multi-agency meeting in response to concerns over public safety and parking outside Gosford Forest Park.
Police, together with TransportNI officials from the Department for Infrastructure, Forest Service, and council officers took part in the event.
They did so over ongoing fears that lives will be lost at the junction of the main Markethill Road and Gosford Forest Park, where motorists taking to the hard shoulder to avoid the £5 entrance fee are obscuring views.
The local councillors todat released a joint statement after the meeting and pledged their resolve to find a solution.
“As we approach the summer months we want people to safely visit and enjoy this fantastic outdoor recreational facility within our borough,” it stated.
“We are committed to work with the other agencies to ensure public safety and therefore we urge visitors to consider the risks with parking along the roadside.
“Contrary to popular belief, the annual cost for a forest car permit works out at approximately £1 per week which we believe is value for money.
“The purchase of a permit will also allow users to avail of other popular forest parks across the province including Tollymore and Castlewellan.
“We discussed a range of matters to address the potential safety issues including possible enforcement strategies and pricing for accessing the park.
“We would like to thank the other agencies, who share the concerns raised, for the positive meeting and have agreed to work together to deal with issues raised, increase efforts of safety precaution and monitor this over the coming weeks.”
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