‘If Exploris is closed it’ll be the final nail in the coffin’

‘If Exploris is closed it’ll be the final nail in the coffin’

25 September 2013

CLOSING Exploris will have a major impact on the wider business community in Portaferry, traders have warned.

A number of shop owners fear that if the aquarium and seal sanctuary is closed, Ards Council may also look to close its tourist information centre in the village square.

Brendan Arthurs (left), of Arthurs Butchers, described Portaferry as a “small spoke in a very big wheel” which has not enjoyed much investment over the years. He believes Ards Council will close Exploris and criticised the local authority’s lack of commitment to the village and its people.

“We are at the wrong end of the peninsula,” declared Mr. Arthurs. “We have a lot of empty shops and buildings and while a number were purchased for redevelopment, these plans have yet to come to fruition.

“Portaferry is the place for the aquarium, but Ards Council does not give a toss about our village. We are too far down the peninsula.”

Martin Arthurs said the closure of the Northern Bank a number of years ago “ripped the heart out of Portaferry,” arguing it was a blow the village has never recovered from.

“If Exploris is closed it will be the final nail in the coffin,” he declared. “Businesses in Portaferry are closing and many people who worked in the construction industry now find themselves out of work. The aquarium is the only thing we have left.”

Mr. Arthurs said while he hopes the closure recommendation will be deferred, “everyone suspects this won’t be the case.”

He added: “This Easter, Portaferry was really buzzing which was due in part to the many people visiting Exploris. What’s it going to be like next year if the aquarium is closed? If Ards Council agrees to close the doors it will be another sad day for Portaferry.”

Mr. Mark Geehan, of Quinn’s Garage, said the aquarium is the “only thing Portaferry has left,” suggesting if it closes there will be no other reason for people to visit the village.

“We currently have a lot of derelict and empty properties in the village which does not help our situation. There has been a lack of investment in the village and we believe that Ards Council needs to do more in this part of the peninsula,” he continued.

“Should our council not be looking to central government to secure finance to meet the aquarium’s running costs? All possible avenues need to be explored.”

A local grocer, who did not want to be named, said her thoughts are with the staff employed at the aquarium and their families.

“If these people lose their jobs it will have a direct impact on the village economy. I always believed more money should have been invested in Exploris to widen its appeal, but this sadly never happened,” she added.