Voucher plan to revitalise town

TRADERS have proposed issuing 'Love Lurgan' gift vouchers as part of a scheme to rejuvenate the town's economy.

The vouchers could be used as legal tender at any participating business in the town and it's hoped that as many outlets as possible will take part in the scheme.

The proposal was discussed at Monday night’s meeting of the Lurgan Chamber of Commerce in the town hall.

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Craigavon Borough Council’s Economic Development Officer Paul Kavanagh said he believes the venture can be successful in Lurgan.

He said: “There are a number of other towns that have similar schemes. We have looked at these towns and are learning from them. As of yet, we have no concrete details as to how it is going to work here, but it will have to work in a way that suits both the individual retailers and the Chamber of Commerce. We have viewed a number of options that are in operation in other towns and we will choose one that best suits Lurgan.”

The voucher scheme is to go ahead providing the Chamber receive funding for it as part of the Department for Regional Development’s (DRD) ‘Restore’ scheme.

The DRD is expected to make its decision in December.

Other key actions likely to be taken under the scheme, if funding can be secured, would be to utilise vacant buildings and give a major facelift to shop fronts on main streets in the town.

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A Chamber of Commerce spokesperson welcomed the new efforts to boost the town.

He said: “People have been saying for a long time that nothing is being done to give this town the boost in needs. That was true, but it has changed now. We have been busy lobbying MLAs and councillors to do what they can to help Lurgan.”

The spokesperson added: “The concept behind the voucher scheme is to encourage the greater Lurgan community to support their town, as well as to encourage the business community to work together to provide the services that shoppers want.”

Other items discussed during the meeting included the issues of car parking, road surfaces, loading bays and taxi ranks.

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It was suggested that existing car parks in the town should be better sign posted.

Simon Dowey said: “Visitors to the town would have some trouble finding the car parks that are slightly away from the town centre, such as the one on Castle Lane. There should be a few more sign posts directing people to them. It would not cost much to do it and it would be a great help to the town.”