Statement by TUV Castlereagh East councillor Andrew Girvin:
“As a newly elected councillor for Lisburn City and Castlereagh Council I wanted to seek the advice of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association’s advice and hit the ground running in terms of getting up to speed with the issues impacting local business.
“So last week I met with NIIRTA’s Chief Executive Glyn Roberts and we discussed how important it is to develop businesses in our villages, towns and city centres.
“The decline in town centres across Northern Ireland deeply concerns both TUV and the NIIRTA. Once bustling high streets and their remaining businesses are now struggling to survive. Crippling rates have been a major contributor to decline. Aesthetically pleasing artwork on empty shop fronts may bring cosmetic change, but are no substitute for kickstarting economic revival in our town centres.
“As things stand, businesses are being penalised if they choose town centre premises because of higher rates. TUV believes that they should be rewarded for doing so. This will help fill the empty units and entice more consumers back into our town centres.
“Another drain on our town centres are excessive car park charges. Many people question why they should pay to shop in town centres while at out of town developments they can park for free. Glyn and I discussed the possibility of introducing free car parking at certain times of the year. This is an initiative which has worked well in other areas and I would like to see it introduced to Lisburn and Castlereagh.
“I want to assure ratepayers that I will be a champion for business and development on the new council.”