A quarter of Lisburn shops lie empty

Indeed, figures released this week have confirmed that Lisburn has a vacancy rate of some 25%, meaning that a quarter of shops in the city centre are currently empty.

Lisburn sits just behind Ballymena with 27% and Bangor with 36% of shops remaining vacant.

Former Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Ronnie Crawford, has been vocal on the issue and has repeatedly called for action to halt the decline in shops and help struggling business owners in the city.

Following the announcement of the vacancy figures this week, Mr Crawford wrote to Finance Minister, Simon Hamilton, about what he has called: “the economic blight affecting much of the retail sector in the centre of Lisburn.”

In his letter, Mr Crawford called on the Minister to bring forward proposals to stop the decline and to boost local businesses.

“Quite clearly a new approach is needed to end business failures and the rates burden and on-line shopping are the main causes of our current problem,” he said. “In addition, as one business closes, crucial footfall diminishes thus increasing the threat of unviability to adjoining businesses. We now have landlords unable to let property even when they offer it rent free because of the rates burden and bleak market conditions. And few entrepreneurs are willing to risk capital in such a market so there is no mechanism to increase footfall.”

Mr Crawford went on to say: “Areas of retail blight should be designated as distress zones and all businesses within that area should be given the option of continuing with the present rates system or converting to system where the rates burden is lifted and the proprietors agree to a new local tax based on turnover.”

Mr Crawford invited the Finance Minister to share his views on the situation, and added that he would be writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osbourne, seeking government help to address the worrying situation in Lisburn.