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Plans can 'only benefit' town - 02 August 2007

LURGAN can only benefit from a distinctive, vibrant and multi-functional town centre that meets the needs of its many users. That's the message from Lurgan Forward and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry following last week's Public Realm meeting in Lurgan Library.
With debate raging on the proposed changes both bodies are insistent that all views offered during the consultation will be considered by the Steering Group Chaired by Craigavon Borough Council.

Speaking on behalf of Lurgan Forward, Town Centre Manager Noel Ferguson highlighted the lengthy consultation process which had already taken place, "Craigavon Borough Council tendered for consultants to look at the public realm within Lurgan in November 2005. Since early 2006 Scott Wilson has been working with the Council and Lurgan Forward to examine the public realm. The remit included the necessity to talk to all the various user's of the town centre.

"A Steering Group was established by Council earlier this year made up of representatives from the Council, Lurgan Forward, Roads Service, the Planning Service, Translink, The Department for Social Development, as well as input from the various utility companies, user groups and Chamber of Commerce.

"Since the initial conception in 2005 great lengths have been taken to pool the collective thoughts and needs of users of the town centre. The proposal presented last week is the result of painstaking analysis of factu
al data about town centre usage, while trying to achieve a balance between the often competing needs of the various stakeholder's who use the town centre."

He said: "Last week provided an opportunity to gain additional comments from a range of interested parties, and again these will be considered in equal measure when the Steering Group next meets."

Mr Ferguson also outlined elements of the proposals which include keeping the town open to vehicles with improved lanes to facilitate better movement of traffic, similar to a scheme completed in Banbridge. Increasing the number of disabled parking bays while locating them in more appropriate locations and ensuring they are fully compliant to current legislation. Widening footpaths to create a safer and more welcoming environment for shoppers. Creation of a public space and upgrading of side streets and linkages to the town's car parks.

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