Market call

That’s the opinion shared by a local MLA and the vice chair of Lurgan Forward.

DUP MLA Stephen Moutray put forward a Notice of Motion at a recent council meeting to say council officers should work with statutory bodies to reintroduce a market in Lurgan at the soonest opportunity.

He said: “We need to cut through the red tape on this issue. As it stands Lurgan is a market town without a market.

“I made it clear I wasn’t happy for this issue to sit. I asked the director for an update and was told a meeting with Road Service and Environmental Health had taken place and they are actively looking to locate a market in Lurgan.”

It’s understood the plaza is the front runner as the location for a market.

Mr Moutray added: “It’s not been decided how regular the market will be and the nature of the market, but I’m pleased that the market plan is being progressed.

“What I would ask is that this is done sooner rather than later for the benefit of the town.”

Vice Chair of Lurgan Forward Charles Gardiner said: “Council officers met with representatives from the Chamber of Trade and Lurgan Forward last week.

“We’ll be meeting again before the end of the month. Discussions are ongoing as to the exact details, but we’re definitely getting a market. The sooner the better.”

He added: “We hope to have something up and running before the end of the summer. The plaza is the obvious location, though various things are being looked at.”