Cash boost and flexible approach to pavement furniture welcome for town centres

Chamber President Adrian Farrell described the funding boost as ‘good news for our town centre and smaller rural settlements’.

He also praised the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon on asking local councils to ‘temporarily take a flexible and pragmatic planning approach to the use of on-street seating for cafes and bars, beer gardens and similar outdoor areas to accommodate physical/social distancing’.

“Thanks to the Executive for listening to our business communities.

“We are looking forward to being consulted by our council on how monies will be allocated over the next weeks,” said Mr Farrell.

The Chamber President also praised Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council on its foward-thinking over keeping council run car parks across the borough free to the public.

“This has definitely helped bring shoppers into the town and helped create a buzz about the town,” said Mr Farrell.

Alliance Councillor and Chair of the ABC Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration committee, Brian Pope, also welcomed the Infrastructure Minister’s confirmation that roads officers will now take a flexible approach to street café applications to help boost application numbers.

Cllr Pope said he had some concerns and had written to the Infrastructure Minister to ask that roads officers take a pragmatic approach without compromising disabled access or safety.

“The Minister’s confirmation is welcome but I also believe that if traffic or footfall assessments are required then the department should undertake these to alleviate any additional burden on businesses,” he said

Cllr Pope also welcomed the cash boost from the NI Executive.

“We have been calling for support to help create additional public spaces for traders, street cafes and pedestrians. A vibrant, safe and thriving local economy will also give a boost to the local tourism market,” he said.

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley said he is working to ensure the ABC area gets an adequate package not just for the major towns but for the smaller towns and villages.

“This is a cash injection to boost the economy during this COVID-19 pandemic and help local businesses survive,” he said.

SDLP Cllr Joe Nelson also welcomed the funding and praised the Infrastructure Minister saying: “That flexibility to accommodate customers inside and outside is essential for social distancing. There also needs to be flexibility from council’s Environmental Health Department.”

Ulster Unionist Cllr Julie Flaherty welcomed the flexible approach promised by the minister and said that, while there may be issues, they should be looked at on a case by case basis. She said: “This is a temporary policy change to give businesses a good chance to survive.”

She also welcomed the £11m cash injection. “It must be used most effectively.”

She said that while the four big towns in the borough would probably be allocated funds first: “We must ensure that the rural towns and villages are not forgotten.”

Sinn Fein Party Group Leader Liam Mackle welcomed the announcement of support to help our towns and villages recover from the Covid lockdown.

Cllr Mackle said: “The two departments have given council almost £700k to help traders. We will be working with council officers to ensure that all of this money goes directly and promptly to assist our traders.

“There are additional costs associated with making premises safe and doing business in this new and challenging situation. It’s important that we as a council do whatever we can to support them.”

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