Plans made to revitalise town

LOCAL traders have been putting their heads together in an effort to produce a blueprint to revive shopping in the town.

Businesses from across Lurgan have been involved in the scheme which is seeking funding from the Department of Social Development for a 'Restore' scheme.

A committee has been set up involving the Chamber of Commerce, public realm representatives and Lurgan Forward to discuss the plans.

Key actions under the scheme, if funding can be secured, would be to utilise vacant buildings and give a major facelift to shop fronts on key arterial routes into the town.

It's also hoped to create and implement a marketing strategy for the town.

Proposals are also being made to work towards a market for the town which will be beneficial for existing trade.

The scheme could also see the creation of a visual theme for the town that will best utilize the streetscape improvements made under the public realm works.

An action plan has been formulated by the committee in co-operation with Craigavon Borough Council which will see a significant financial injection into the town.

It's also hoped to engage with the Southern Regional College to give students a sense of ownership and participation in the town.

Other proposals include improved signage within the town and surrounding areas.

The committee is also working with the local historical society on an interpretive project for tourists and will be liaising with the council to ensure all relevant initiatives are co-ordinated for the maximum benefit of all Lurgan's citizens.

A spokesman for the committee said: "These are only some of the actions which will be carried out in the short term but they will contribute to a long term overall strategy to make the town more accessible and more beneficial to the local community.

"The committee has worked tirelessly over the last few months in bringing forward these ideas and hope that at the upcoming Chamber of Commerce meeting that more people will come onto the committee and help implement the plans when funding is confirmed."

A presentation has already been made to local MLAs - with Stephen Moutray, John O'Dowd, Dolores Kelly, Sidney Anderson and George Savage attending.

The spokesman said: "The MLAs were impressed by the presentation and commented on the vision being provided and assured the committee of their full lobbying support at Stormont to secure funding for the entire scheme for the whole of the town."

The Chamber of Commerce will be holding a meeting in the town hall on Monday night at 6pm. All are welcome to attend and a presentation will be given on the hopes for the Restore.