Lisburn 'compensated' after bureau urges shoppers to go to Belfast

So they were outraged last Christmas when they discovered promotional staff engaged by BVCB at work in Lisburn urging shoppers to head to Belfast!

Now the bureau has acknowledged it error and is to promote Lisburn as a tourist destination in Newry and Dublin in the run up to Christmas as compensation.

Representatives from BVCB recently attended a meeting of the Council's Economic Development Committee, when they offered to promote Lisburn during the festive period as compensation.

According to the Council BVCB has agreed to provide an 'impact team' for Lisburn in Dublin and Newry, as well as an "enhanced opportunity for Lisburn through an advertising van as part of a summer advertising campaign in Dublin".

The chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Councillor Jenny Palmer, said: "I recognise that there was a serious breakdown in communication and BVCB have acknowledged their error and they have put that right for the benefit of the businesses in Lisburn.

"We look forward to working in partnership with them in the future," she added.

Councillor Andrew Ewing, who attended the Economic Development Committee meeting ,said the Chief Executive of BVCB, Mr Gerry Lennon, had been "very apologetic."

Mr Ewing continued: "Mr Lennon has agreed to compensate Lisburn City Council for this error by sending representatives to Dublin and Newry City Centres to canvas on behalf of Lisburn and promote the City and what it has on offer.

"I believe this is a satisfactory outcome and a good deal has been secured on behalf of the ratepayers of Lisburn and local businesses who will undoubtedly benefit from this."

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