Larne's Point Street traders despair as road closed for public realm

The local business people spoke out after the thoroughfare from Broadway to Point Street was closed from May 9 until June 10 due to health and safety issues.

Owner of The Big Sandwich Company cafe Melvin Wilson says his trade has plummeted by 45-50 per cent since the road closure, and that he is considering temporarily laying off a part-time staff member until the road reopens.

”I don’t want to suspend a member of staff but there isn’t the work there to support them,” he revealed.

“I think the council should have consulted with businesses before this closure.

“A lot of our customers are elderly but no-one can park outside. At the very least they could have put up signs to let people know the businesses are still trading.”

Meanwhile, co-owner of The Flower Room Patricia McPherson has seen business slump by a quarter.

“We rely heavily on passing trade and our trade has dropped about 25 per cent in the past two weeks,” she stated.

“It worries me about how we are going to survive being interrupted during peak trading season as it will be a busy period with weddings.

“I can drop off deliveries but customers can’t park outside to collect orders. Elderly and disabled people can’t park further away and carry their goods.”

Patricia was sceptical as to whether the public realm plan would benefit the town’s side streets.