Ballynahinch street work angers traders

Ballynahinch street work angers traders

28 August 2013

THE public realm improvement scheme in Ballynahinch is causing severe hardship to traders, it has been claimed.

Several High Street businesses say they have experienced a in footfall and called for work to be completed urgently.

Work began last month on the £2m Department of Social Development scheme, which will see the upgrading of footpaths, street furniture, planting and lighting throughout the town.

The streetscape scheme was expected to cause major upheaval for several months, but some traders say that in the current economic climate Down Council should consider helping with a reduction in rates or a one-off payment.

Jim Allen, from the Assisi charity shop, said takings were typically down around £300 a week for local traders, with some investigating the possibility of compensation.

“The work is about three weeks behind schedule,” he said. “The difficulty is access to the shops.

“What is the use of having a nice town at the end of it if there are no shops?

“Certainly the council could do something to help.”

Sandra Shilliday, from Spa Drycleaners, said her trade had noticeably decreased. “You can notice it, it is really bad,” he said. “It was very slow this week.

“If there is no parking nearby people just go on. “With the one-way system in particular, people just keep going.

“We would be taking in a lot of winter coats and jackets at this time of year. I think the council should consider a reduction in the rates.”

Martin Chambers, from Poole Butchers in Ballynahinch, said all traders in the town were having a “bit of a struggle”.

“Everyone has been affected,” he said. “I do not mind what they are doing, I understand the benefits to the town.

“If they could finish one area before coming back it would help. It has been four weeks since they started outside our place.”

Mr. Chambers said the current economic climate made it particularly important traders’ needs were being considered.

“Every pound counts for small town businesses who are just existing as it is,” he said.

Ballynahinch councillor Mickey Coogan, a member of the Ballynahinch Public Realm Steering Committee, said they were working with traders to minimise disruption.

“I would appeal for anyone with concerns to contact me directly on 07731 582336,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Down Council said: “The ongoing work is taking place to enhance the quality of the town centre and we hope that local business owners will consider that the work will ultimately improve the trading position for the town as has been the experience in Newcastle and Downpatrick.

“It should be noted that there are other works still ongoing related to the upgrade of the NI Water and NIE systems in the town. The council has consulted very extensively via Ballynahinch Public Realm Steering Committee which has representation from the business community.

“Rates rebates are a matter for Land and Property Services and traders should make contact with them directly.”