Christmas market in Randalstown

Councillors last week heard that there has been temporary disruption to normal business in the town as the works progress and traders have expressed concern about the impact of this in the lead up to Christmas.

The local Randalstown Chamber of Trade had suggested that a Christmas market be run in the town centre the day after the Christmas switch-on, supported by family entertainment.

Proposing council provide £5,320 to fund the Christmas market on Saturday, November 28 from 10am to 5pm, Councillor Linda Clarke said: “I’ve been working with traders; the public realm scheme is going on.

“Traders have proposed this to try and get a lot of trade coming up to Christmas.”

Councillor Trevor Beatty seconded the motion and added: “This will help traders.”

Councillor Roisin Lynch said she wanted to offer her support to the proposal and congratulated the council for working with traders, while Councillor Roderick Swann said Randalstown traders are very supportive of the public realm scheme.

Cllr. Clarke’s proposal reached agreement from her fellow councillors.

Speaking afterwards DUP Councillor Linda Clarke said she delighted her proposal to support the event had been agreed by council.

Cllr. Clarke commented “I have had several meetings with the Randalstown traders recently, listening to their concerns due to the public realm scheme.

“The highest concern was that their business had declined and therefore it was suggested by the Chamber of Trade that a Christmas Market in the town may help to try and boost their trade.

“The Christmas lights are being switched on, on Friday, November 27 and the Christmas market will take place on Saturday, November 28 between 10am and 5pm in Moore’s Lane.

“There will be entertainment for both adults and children and therefore I would encourage everyone to attend and support the traders, especially coming up to Christmas, which is meant to be a busy time of the year for them.”