Dickson Welcomes Ongoing Revitalisation of Larne

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, expressed his delight this week at the progress being made to improve Larne Town Centre.

Visiting Main Street, on one of his regular visits to the town centre, Mr Dickson said: “For a number of years Larne Town Centre, like many in Northern Ireland, was looking tired and having to compete with nearby towns and out-of-town outlets. However, today Main Street is looking better than it has for decades, and the shoppers are out in force.

“I would like to commend all those involved in the works, including the contractors, Mid & East Antrim Council, and of course the businesses and people of Larne, who have patiently endured the public realm works in the town centre. I know it’s a cliché but, as they say, ‘No pain, no gain’.

“I hope that other towns in East Antrim, including those along our beautiful Coastal Route, will generate similar local enthusiasm and receive similar support to bring back shoppers and businesses, and revitalise just like Larne appears to have to successfully done.”

Commenting specifically about Larne the Chairman of Larne Traders Forum, Allan Dorman, said: “I agree with Stewart that the Public Realm Works have been pivotal and made a positive difference to the town. The contractors were excellent and worked with the traders to minimise disruption, both to business and the public.

“I would pay tribute to our previous Town Centre Development Manager, Hazel Bell, and to my members, who, to be fair, endured much but persevered and now are appreciative and will hopefully reap the rewards of enhanced trade.”