TRICIA Donaldson only took over Craft Cakes Coffee Shop three weeks ago and was “devastated” to learn of the recommendation to close Exploris.
She said the aquarium brings a lot of business to the village and many shops and cafes benefit from the 100,000 visitors who visit each year.
“Portaferry will be finished without the aquarium. Ards Council does not do enough for us and I hope something can be done at the eleventh hour. The council must pull back from making any closure decision,” said Tricia.
She added: “Who is standing up for Portaferry? We need to get together on this issue to generate momentum so the closure recommendation is deferred.”
Maureen McCarthy of the Renew shop, described Strangford Lough as one of the world’s most beautiful places, able to boast a superb aquarium which is a national asset.
“The closure of Exploris will be devastating for Portaferry. People in the village are concerned about the staff who work at Exploris and this must be a terribly difficult time for them,” she continued.
“There clearly needs to be a lot of lobbying so the closure recommendation is deferred. While I know it costs money to run, Portaferry needs its aquarium. It’s closure would be another kick in the teeth for the village.”
Marko Petric, manager of the Portaferry Hotel, said people need to make a stand over the closure recommendation and do everything they can to oppose it.
“Closing Exploris has major implications for the village. This hotel and many other businesses benefit from the people who visit the aquarium. This a stunningly beautiful location which has a wonderful aquarium. It would be a real shame if it is allowed to close,” he said.
Marko added: “Shops in the square are boarded up with many for sale, but we are fortunate to have a hardworking regeneration committee. It is doing what it can, but closing Exploris will make its job even more difficult.”