Success for Roe Valley traders

Plans were in place to completely close Linenhall Street for a week in the summer while the gas company carried out maintenance work for just 11 customers in the town. But after a series of meetings with Firmus and the DOE, the Roe Valley Chamber of Commerce announced that the work may be carried out over three to four Sundays, allowing mid week traffic to pass through the road.

Speaking after a meeting with DOE Road Service Chamber President Julie Brolly said whilst the closure of the street was necessary, the disruption would not take place throughout the working day.

Julie said:"We are hopeful that all work carried out by Firmus Energy will be on Sundays and possibly some evenings, and we are also keen for this work will take place in late August when traffic numbers are at their lowest with disruption kept to a minimum.

"Whilst no final details have been proposed by Firmus Energy yet, or agreed by DOE Road Service, we believe that Sundays and evening work is the least disruptive way to carry out the gas pipe installations, and we are hopeful that this is what will be agreed between the relevant statutory bodies and Firmus Energy."

The Chamber President also praised the gas company's communication and consultation with worries of local traders and its investment in the borough. She also thanked those that supported the Chamber's bid to stop the one way route being completely closed, causing a mass of problems for businesses in the town centre.

Julie added: "I have to add that Firmus Energy's communication and consultation with the Chamber has been excellent, and I would like to thank their Commercial and Construction Managers for coming to a Chamber Meeting last week to explain about the planned works.

"Cooperation between the Roe Valley Chamber of Commerce, DOE Road Service, Limavady Council and local Councillors, particularly Michael Coyle and Leslie Cubitt has also been excellent. This demonstrates how everyone working together in the interest of the Borough can help overcome such issues, also developing the local economy."

Julie went on: "Limavady borough is an excellent place to do business and to visit, and the Chamber firmly believes that if everyone works together with a common vision and purpose we can help the Roe Valley economy to recover more quickly, more aggressively, and more sustainably."

"Roe Valley Chamber of Commerce have an extremely exciting and innovative number of initiatives running throughout the year, and we hope that the voice and vision of Roe Valley Businesses will be heard more and more as the Chamber grows over the coming weeks and months." For more information about Roe Valley Chamber of Commerce contact Julie Brolly on 777 68180.