No “grace” for shoppers

There are “no plans” to introduce a “grace period” in Buncrana for shoppers, the “Inish Times” can reveal. The news follows the launch of a Facebook campaign supporting local business man Francis Callaghan who has threatened to shut down his O2 store in the town and move it to Carndonagh unless there is a relaxation in the current parking scheme. Calling for a 30-minute “grace period” to be introduced throughout Buncrana, Mr. Callaghan, operator of O2 stores in the North West, claimed “serious damage” was being caused to businesses in the town as a result of the current “Pay and Display” policy. However, the Town Council has rejected the call, stating it had no plans to introduce a “grace period.” Speaking to the “Inish Times” Town Engineer, Donal Walker, said: “There are no plans to give any ‘grace period’ to the Pay and Display. Currently, enough time is given to allow a driver to leave their car, go to the ticket machine and come back and place the ticket on their car.” Meanwhile, a campaign has been launched on the social networking site Facebook supporting Mr. Callaghan’s call. “Parking Mad,” which is inviting local people to express their views on the matter, has already attracted almost 200 fans. The site has received the support of Mr. Callaghan. He said: “It just goes to prove my point that motorists and shoppers alike would like to see a 30 minute ‘grace period’ put in place to facilitate a more pleasant shopping experience in the town.” Meanwhile, at last Thursday’s Buncrana Town Council meeting, County Manager Michael McLoone confirmed, Euro Carparks, who openate the “Pay and Display” scheme, have recruited a new traffic warden in Buncrana following the recent resignation of one of the town’s two traffic wardens.