Spruced-up Lurgan

Dozens of shops, offices and bars have been spruced up across the town with a new paint job.

From Edward Street and William Street right through to High Street, freshly painted business have been adding to a new vibrancy in the town.

Through the Restore project which has funding of up to £150,000, many businesses have been receiving aid to help with the spruce-up.

On High Street several business premises have been given a fresh new look - including a new life for Sidney Beckett’s old premises getting set to reopen as a fruit and veg shop.

Acting Chairman of Lurgan Forward and Vice Chairman of Lurgan Chamber of Commerce, Charlie Gardiner said both organisations have been ‘actively working to improve the physical image of the town’.

“A few weeks ago the Fusiliers were helping to remove weeds etc from buildings rather than sitting back and saying it is the Council or Road Services responsibility,” said Mr Gardiner.

“Business owners if they took a few minutes to keep the front of their buildings weed free, would see the benefit.

“The problem arises with vacant properties but surely the onus should be on the agent to maintain the property they are looking after,” he said.

“It seems ridiculous that estate agents are willing to put their signs up on a building which is totally unkept as it portrays the image of their own business.

“The Public Realm has ultimately solved the weed issue in Market Street and Church Place but we need to look after the rest of the town,” said Mr Gardiner.