Local DUP Ballymoney Councillor, John Finlay, has welcomed the fact that Ballymoney Borough Council has accepted his proposal to salt and grit the main streets of Ballymoney in order to keep the town open in the run up to Christmas.
Commenting today John Finlay said:
"There is a responsibility on Ballymoney Borough Council to keep the main streets of the town open as we face such horrific weather in the week of Christmas.
The snow and ice is keeping people away from the main town and hence away from the many shops and restaurants who, after a difficult year, are looking to get some money in the till in order to keep their businesses alive.
Ballymoney is fortunate to have a collection of good quality independent shops and this is who the downturn, in business, caused by the snow, is hitting hardest. I would take this opportunity to encourage local residents' to support their local independent shops as best they can otherwise we could be left without them.
I proposed, with the support of my colleague, Councillor Robert Halliday, that the Council ensure that the main streets in and around the town of Ballymoney keep the streets as clear of snow and ice as best as possible in the run up to Christmas day. I am pleased that Council accepted this proposal and thank the members for their support and the Council staff for implementing it. It is important that Ballymoney remains open for business.
This time of year is generally important to all businesses in any given year, but more so this year as retailers have been faced with a downturn in business due to there being less disposable income around.
Whilst this arrangement will not be permanent it is welcome and will hopefully encourage more shoppers into the town and give retailers a last minute lift prior to the season finishing."
