Impact of Regeneration Work on Local Businesses
A shop worker in County Tyrone has reported that ongoing construction in Castlederg led to temporary closures due to a significant decline in customer visits.
Harold Moore, employed at The Pet Store and Urban Barn giftware in the town, explained that the work outside his shop forced them to close for several days.
"We closed and went home, it was pointless,"
Derry City and Strabane District Council announced that a meeting will be held this week to address the concerns raised by local traders.
The construction is part of the Castlederg Public Realm regeneration project, which falls under the broader Derg Active Scheme.
The £6.5 million initiative is funded by the UK Government Levelling Up Fund and the council.
More than £5,000 of the budget has been allocated to enhancing the diamond area at the town centre and its surrounding streets.
Moore acknowledged the benefits of investment in the town but noted the slow progress of the work.
Challenges Faced by Wee Buns Café
Wee Buns Café, situated in the town centre, is currently encircled by the construction, with no clear timeline for completion.
Erinn Duffy, who assists in managing the family-run café, described the increasing difficulty in operating the business amid the works.
"We were looking at our takings from last January to this January and there's a massive change, and while that can be due to the cost of living, the changes are surreal,"
"We've had many customers contacting us asking if we are closed or open and asking if there is access."
Following the launch of a new menu last week, the café initially experienced a surge in customers, but as the construction moved directly in front of the premises, footfall sharply declined, leading to early closures.
"So we went from a really good week to absolutely nothing, just silence. We've had to send staff home,"
Staff Morale and Safety Concerns
Duffy expressed that the situation is disheartening for both employees and the business.
"They are losing money, we are losing money and you risk losing staff who might look for jobs elsewhere."
She also highlighted several health and safety issues related to the ongoing work.
"Where my staff have to come out and take the bins out there's a giant hole, which is easily a hazard."
Deliveries have become problematic as well.
"There is nowhere for them to go, so they are dumping their deliveries at the top of the street, we are having to bring it all down, to be walking great distances with heavy loads is completely unacceptable."
Local Political Perspective and Project Timeline
Ulster Unionist councillor Derek Hussey, who owns a business in Castlederg, welcomed the regeneration work but acknowledged the frustration among residents and traders.
"We need answers. What is the hold up and when is this work expected to be completed?"
Hussey noted that this phase of the project began in January, with the full scheme initially scheduled for completion by the end of the month. However, he expressed doubts about meeting this deadline.
He emphasized the impact on local businesses.
"What's happening is you have a business that has built up a momentum and that momentum has been stopped by what's going on here, in a small town like this, when you get that lack of momentum it can lead to concerns.
"I would trust that it wouldn't get to the stage where businesses have to close, but it might not be far off it. They need customers over the threshold and this prevents that,"
Hussey hopes to obtain clarity on the project's progress.
Council Response
Derry City and Strabane District Council stated that they and the contractors will engage directly with affected businesses early this week to provide updates and address any issues, aiming to find solutions.
