Businesses in Markethill are still waiting to hear how they will be affected by the town’s upcoming Environmental Improvement Scheme, with calls for better communication from ABC Council.
DUP Cusher councillor Adam Copeland has urged ABC Council officials to ensure that traders in Markethill are fully consulted and trade disruption is minimised.
Cllr Copeland has continually pressed council officials to engage directly with businesses in Markethill to reduce the negative impact of any planned work, however as of yet, businesses have not been notified of any planned works which were due to start in September.
“I have engaged officers since the launch of the scheme to press for improved communication and engagement, meeting council staff on site to discuss the approach and request additional works such as the council owned car park on Newry Street is included within the planned works,” he said.
“While initial response has been positive, the momentum of progress has stalled. I have seen first-hand is the disruption works can have on businesses. I have once again requested a traders forum be established to manage communication. We must not allow traders to suffer needlessly when mitigations are available. I will continue to liaise with Council in this important issue.”
A spokesperson for ABC Council said: “The Council is committed to ensuring that local businesses and residents are kept informed before and throughout all stages of its Council-led environmental improvement schemes.
“This approach has been applied previously in Banbridge and is currently being delivered in Rathfriland and Gilford, where comprehensive stakeholder engagement has taken place before and during the schemes. This has helped ensure that important information is shared in a timely manner, with feedback from businesses on the engagement process being positive.
“Once start dates for the Markethill scheme are confirmed, a similar programme of stakeholder and business engagement will be undertaken.”
