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Fears over ‘ghost town’

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

A recent report found that round 29 per cent of business units in Rathfriland remain unoccupied and it has led to some fears of ‘ghost town’ status. 32135im

FEARS are growing that Rathfriland is becoming a 'ghost town' as more and more shops and buildings become derelict.
A number of shop premises, which went out of business a number of years ago, remain empty and many claim they place a "bad look" on Rathfriland for any prospective visitors.
Only in November, Northern Bank cut ties with the town when they ceased business in the town, with their bank building now on the market.
One Rathfriland man contacted The Outlook to emphasise the issue: "In England there are empty property officers who have the power to do something about vacant properties left empty for over a year. Can we not do something like that here?
“There are many properties in Rathfriland that have their doors lying wide open which could lead to young people using them for anti-social behaviour.
“It gives a very bad impression of the town," added the man.
A spokesperson for Banbridge District Council explained that they are limited in what they can do as their hands are tied in regard to private buildings.
“The council has very limited powers over buildings that are privately-owned and vacant. It cannot force owners to improve the appearance of a building or insist that it is occupied.
“However if the council receives a report that the condition of a building is dangerous and in a ruinous state which is detrimental to the public and the amenity of the area then steps can be taken to ensure that the property owner carries out repairs," said a council spokesperson.
“The council endeavours to work with property owners and provides incentives for improvement of buildings when funding becomes available. In 2008/2009 a shop front improvement grant scheme was made available in Rathfriland.
“Property owners were able to avail of 50 per cent funding towards property improvements.
“Only 12 properties received grant funding and uptake was lower than expected," continued a council spokesperson.

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