“We need action now”: Council backs new taskforce to tackle town centre decline across Mid & East Antrim

Church Street in Ballymena

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has backed a motion calling for a town centre taskforce to be established across the borough.

The motion was proposed by Coast Road DUP Councillor Andrew Clarke at a council meeting in The Braid, Ballymena, on Monday evening, and seconded by party colleague Larne Lough Cllr Gregg McKeen.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Clarke said:

“I feel passionate about our town centres and that we should be giving it everything. They are important in terms of jobs. They are places where people meet, visitors come. We should leave no stone unturned in bringing people together to try to revitalise them.

“Much of council’s rates income comes from our local town centres. A taskforce will aim to bring forward a strategic action plan for each town.”

Cllr McKeen said a town centre taskforce would be built on collaboration, drawing on the expertise of organisations including Ballymena BID, Larne Business Forum and Carrickfergus Enterprise.

“This is about protecting the future of our town centres. There is unprecedented pressure being faced from online businesses. This taskforce would allow us to take proactive steps to improve matters and work with businesses to try to stop the decline. It is really about future-proofing our high streets.”

Cllr McKeen also emphasised the need to have a clear picture of what is happening to enable informed decisions to be made “based on real evidence”, as well as the need to look at a long-term plan rather than a short-term fix.

Ballymena Alliance Cllr Jack Gibson welcomed the motion, saying it is “another example of the strength of ideas that exists within business organisations across the borough”.

Braid Sinn Féin Cllr Archie Rae said the proposed new taskforce should be “action-led”.

Carrickfergus TUV Cllr David Clarke commented that “overhead costs are crippling businesses”, noting that a community shop run by church volunteers in Greenisland had closed due to the cost of overheads.

He expressed concern that a town centre taskforce could become “another level of bureaucracy” and asked for reassurance that it would take meaningful action, as well as clarity on the timeframe involved.

Ballymena Independent Cllr Rodney Quigley said:

“If this is just a talking shop, it will be no good. Retailers out there are suffering. We need action now, not a talking shop.”

He also expressed concern over how Ballymena BID (Business Improvement District) could be affected.

“There needs to be a clear strategy and direction,” he stated.

In November last year, businesses in Ballymena town centre voted for a third term of the initiative, which they believe will maintain a “continued focus on supporting local businesses, marketing the town centre and enhancing the experience for residents and visitors”.

Knockagh DUP Cllr Marc Collins said: “I think our town centres need as much support as they can get.” He also highlighted concerns over the Conservation Area in Carrickfergus.

Braid TUV Cllr Matthew Warwick commented:

“It is not a one-cap-fits-all approach. They are very different town centres. Each town has different problems. Any approach needs to be sympathetic to that and not trample over the good work that has already been done, such as Ballymena BID.”

Party colleague Ballymena Cllr Matthew Armstrong said he was supportive of the motion, adding: “It is just a matter of striking an appropriate balance. We are also still managing to attract some businesses into the town.”

He noted that actions such as emptying litter bins can make towns more attractive and emphasised the need to “keep a positive outlook on the situation”.

Larne Lough Ulster Unionist Cllr Roy Beggs stated that Mid and East Antrim’s vacancy rate needs to be tackled.

He indicated businesses are suffering from increasing costs as well as pressure from online retailers.

He also spoke of the need to examine which grants may be available from Stormont departments.

“We do not have a magic money tree but an overly expensive capital expenditure programme in place. There is no provision for further commitment. We are already maxed out,” he remarked.

Coast Road Sinn Féin Cllr James McKeown said a change in approach by the council is needed.

He pointed out that the hospitality industry has suffered in recent years and said there is also a need to support businesses along the coast.

Carrickfergus Castle DUP Alderman Billy Ashe MBE stated: “We need this to be a talking shop. We need to get the issues out on the table. This is the first time I have heard a discussion about town centres of any quality. We need to get this up and running.”

He pointed out that Carrickfergus’ Conservation Area has affected businesses in the town.

“We have to do something. We can’t just sit here,” he added.

Larne Lough Alliance Alderman Robert Logan suggested engaging with Stormont departments at an early stage.

Mayor Cllr Jackson Minford suggested the views of local young people should also be taken into consideration.

In closing the debate, Cllr Andrew Clarke added: “This is a difficult issue, a multi-faceted issue. The alternative is to do nothing. We need to take our lead from the business community. There is great benefit to bringing people together and pooling resources.”

Councillors agreed to back the motion.

The proposal will now return to the council for a final decision.