There is room for Lewis and city shops

When Sprucefield was first mooted and then began to expand, the commercial death of nearby Lisburn was freely forecast by the same dismal objectors and those voices continued unabated, thus the reason for the eight year delay in John Lewis. The objectors were clearly hoping a time consuming inquiry would ensure John Lewis taking flight to another destination.

The excellent coverage by the Ulster Star over many years on the `ohn Lewis saga, always with politicians photographed on the site, shows without doubt that just how ridiculous the situation has become.

Suddenly we discover that the trade in the city is being devastated anyway so once again, as at Coca Cola, the alarms bells are ringing, Public representatives have wakened up to what’s actually taking place.

There is a wise American saying, Never waste a crisis’. The current financial and economic crisis affords us a rare opportunity to pause and reflect on where we have been going and where it leads. Bear in mind capitalism is a sustained process of creative destruction, those who encourage this recklessness protect themselves, but not others from the consequences.

Lisburn sits at the hub of an area with half a million people, within half an hour’s drive, so politicians get your finger out. There is room for John Lewis and Lisburn city shops. No more play acting, sound bites, or posing, the opportunity is there to put those who elected you first.

Eye for Business

Hillsborough