Town 'will cease to exist' unless action is taken on increasing business rates

BUSINESSES across Strabane and district have been urged to attend a meeting in the town this evening (Wednesday) ahead of a planned protest against the burden of increasing business rates.

The meeting, set to take place at The Eco Basket, has been organised by owner, Niall Speak, who has been calling for urgent action.

He has warned "the town centre will cease to exist" unless there is reform of the system, and says local businesses are becoming increasingly concerned.

"A pre-business protest meeting will take place for small and independent businesses in the Strabane area," he said.

"This meeting is an opportunity for local businesses to come together and address the growing pressures facing our town.

"I've spoken to a lot of businesses locally and everyone is facing the same pressures.

"With an expected (rates) increase this year again, if there's no action taken now, Strabane will cease to exist as a town."

Niall says the provision of dedicated parking for coaches is one way to help attract more footfall and visitors to the town.

He added: "We are paying the same rates as a city which sees one hundred times more footfall.

"There are also issues around tourism and the lack of a space for coaches to park to help bring that extra footfall.

"Strabane has massive tourism potential and there is plenty of history, but the infrastructure isn't there to support it.

"Last week, I had to refuse a coach of 56 people who wanted to come to Strabane because there wasn't adequate parking, so we're self-sabotaging ourselves by not even having basic amenities in the town centre.

"I have long said that there is not only a regional imbalance, but a council imbalance when it comes to rates, where Strabane is getting very little compared to the city.

"I'm not having a go at Derry - I love the city - but the imbalance is there.

"In Strabane, we are paying higher rates than Belfast city centre. Why are we paying more than Coleraine, Lisburn and Belfast?

"Enough is enough. We, as a small town, simply cannot pay the same rates as a city which is thriving in tourism.

"Ultimately, businesses will continue to close unless there is change. It's time to act before it is too late."

Among the issues on the agenda include: rising business rates, council-related issues and concerns, suggestions and shared experiences from local businesses, tourism in Strabane and planned protests against rising costs.

Niall says local councillors have been invited to attend while letters have also been issued to Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh and chief executive of the local authority, John Kelpe, "formally notifying them of the planned protest and outlining the concerns of Strabane businesses".

"A letter has also been issued to Invest NI to highlight the regional and council imbalance in support and investment, and to clearly demonstrate how Strabane continues to be left in the background," Niall added.

"Now is the time for us to stand together, push back, and stand up for Strabane.

"A united voice is a stronger voice."

Tonight's meeting will start at 7pm with all small and independent business owners encouraged to attend.