Over 100 residents protested outside Bangor Castle in County Down ahead of Ards and North Down Council's monthly meeting on Wednesday evening. They opposed a plan to convert a mature green space at Marine Garden into a 90-space paid car park.

Ards and North Down Council granted a 125-year lease for the site to developer Bangor Marine. The council made the decision in a closed meeting last August that included Bangor Marine representatives, council officials, and councillors. The council has not released minutes from that meeting.

Former councillor Ray McKimm spoke to the protesters. He said plans changed without public consultation, despite recent transport assessments for Queen’s Parade indicating sufficient parking in the area. McKimm encouraged residents to contact their MP, MLAs, and the council's 40 councillors.

Resident Ian Rodgers said the narrow site could not accommodate 90 cars. He raised concerns that approving a change of use for parking could allow further redevelopment later.

Pola Neil and Donald Neil, residents of the Queen’s Parade area for over 30 years, noted that a previous seafront car park was removed to create green space. They objected to now replacing existing green area with parking.

Other residents voiced objections. Linda McAuley criticized the lack of vision for a car-free seafront. Michael Dunn questioned why the car park was not part of original plans. Stephen Pinkerton highlighted the green space's role in connecting Marine Gardens to Pickie Park and the coastal path.