Public perceptions of Portrush are improving

That was the question posed to both residents and visitors in a public perception market research survey.

The research, from the survey, which has been running since 2010, aims to measure and evaluate the Portrush masterplan which is currently being implemented in the seaside town.

At Tuesday night’s Policy and Development meeting, Nick Bohill of Millward Brown Ulster, who commissioned the survey, attended Council to give the findings from this year’s survey.

Members were encouraged by the results of the survey, which show that since 2010 the public perception of our premier seaside resort is improving.

In a question about what respondants disliked about Portrush - derelict and boarded up buildings was the answer for 33 percent of those surveyed back in 2010, this had decreased to just 13 percent this year.

Over 40 percent of people said they disliked nothing about Portrush in 2012. This figure has almost doubled, as 22 percent said they disliked nothing in 2010.

DUP councillor Adrian McQuillan congratulated the council officers for the work. He said: “I have been critical of some of the work that has been carried out. I think it is important to point out the positive results of the survey.”

The Mayor, DUP councillor Sam Cole also congratulated the council officers for their work. He added: “Everyone knew that improvements were needed - the statistics have improved so that shows that the work has been worthwhile.”

Alliance councillor Barney Fitzpatrick congratulated the outside agencies, he said: “We are moving in the right direction. I think it is important to congratulate the outside agencies like Translink, who encourage people to come in.”

UUP councillor Richard Holmes said he would like Portrush to become a template for any seaside town in the UK.

Independent councillor David McClarty described the findings of the report as “positive”.

He added: “This will give both retailers and residents a boost. But, we can’t be complacent, there is still work to be done.”