Other News In Brief

Business Chiefs Welcome Council Rejection Of Newry Retail Application

Retail NI, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Newry Business Improvement District have welcomed a vote at Newry, Mourne and Down Council Planning Committee to reject the proposed out of town retail application in Carnbane.

Matrix Planning Consultancy, Retail NI and Newry BID outlined their objection to the application ahead of the vote. The Committee voted 4-2, with one abstention, in favour of accepting the Council Planners' recommendation to reject the application.

In a joint statement, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts, Newry Chamber CEO Colm Shannon and Newry BID MD, Eamonn Connolly said: "This is a very welcome development and a good news story for Newry City Centre and its traders.

"If this application had been granted, Carnbane would have been a competing city centre, drawing away jobs, retailers, hospitality and shoppers and would have caused incalculable damage to Newry City Centre. It would have had a retail impact on Newry City Centre of nearly 30% and would have been completely contrary to the town centre planning policy and the local development plan.

"We want Newry City Centre to be the location for new retail stores."

The three organisations believe that Newry City Centre has a bright future in providing retail and hospitality for shoppers on both side of the border.

They aded: "We need to build on Newry's strong track record of being an eco-system of innovation and meeting head-on the challenges that Brexit presents to the city."

SF Highlight Support Services Following Tragic Death

Sinn Fein Cllr for north Belfast Shauneen Baker has offered her condolences following the tragic death of a resident in the area.

Local man and Carrick Rangers player Jerry Thompson passed away suddenly this week. He was just 24 years old.

Cllr Baker has highlighted a number of mental health support services available in the area.

She said: "In light of another untimely death, mental health and emotional well-being provision is one of the key priorities for all political parties in North Belfast. We are working continually with statutory agencies and service providers to ensure that appropriate needs are met.

"Unfortunately, North Belfast has lost too many of its best and its brightest and we continue to work with individuals and families on a daily basis to assist them in accessing the appropriate care and services.

"If anyone is going through a difficult time we would urge them to remember that it is OK not to be OK and also urge them to reach out for help and support."

Below is a list of professional service providers:

• Bridge of Hope: 02895 438707

• PIPS: 02890 805850

• New Life Counselling: 02890 391630

• Lighthouse: 02890 755070

• Samaritans: Freephone 116 123

• Health & Social Care: 02890 744447

• Extern: 0845 2590520

• Lifeline: 0808 808 8000

New Vision For Lisburn's Sprucefield Park

A new vision is set to developed for Lisburn's popular shopping complex Sprucefield Park.

NewRiver has acquired the development after the previous owners withdrew their application.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council have begun early engagement with NewRiver.

Councillor Jonathan Craig, Chairman of the council's Planning Committee, said: "Given the protracted consultation with both the public and the council by applicants Intu, the previous Sprucefield Park owners, I am disappointed that yesterday they withdrew application LA05/2018/1061/0. However, I am looking forward to engaging with NewRiver to bring forward revised proposals to meet its intention to develop this strategic site in Lisburn Castlereagh."

Sprucefield Park will become NewRiver's second site in Northern Ireland.



(JG/MH)