Time for return of ‘Back Carrick Week’?
A Carrick trader’s call for greater support for the local high street has sparked a lively social media debate.
Kevin Wilson, manager of Age NI’s shop on West Street and vice chair of Carrickfergus Town Centre Partnership, struck a chord with his comments: “I remember when I was growing up, the high street was bustling, and there was two-way traffic in West Street. We had a ‘Back Carrick Week’ every year that drew crowds into the town.
“Since online shopping, the way in which people shop has definitely changed, and we’ve noticed a decline in the number of people shopping in Carrick town centre. Unfortunately, like a lot town centres these days, you’ll see more empty units, and it’s such a shame.”
Picking up on Back Carrick Week, one resident called for its return, stating on Facebook: “Back Carrick Week was great fun for all the family and brought everyone together. Bring it back.”
Another asked: “Back Carrick - did it run one or two weeks? It was the best time ever.”
A further suggestion was a pop-up shop week “where a range of traders could be invited to bring their products for the week to give them a taste of what Carrick has to offer”.
Mr Wilson’s views also gave rise to calls for a reduction in rates, a wider variety of shops and more use made of the history of area as “the town has loads of history, a notice board in a few places would be great for local and tourist to see what is on weekly, where to go etc”.
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