PRESS RELEASE
Larne Traders Forum recently commissioned a public survey to seek opinion about a number of issues with regard to shopping and Larne Town Centre. Nearly 500 surveys were completed in Larne Town Centre over two days in June by Environmental Planning students from Queens University Belfast.
This survey followed one carried out by Asda as part of their local consultation process; Asda's survey asked people if they thought that Larne needed more supermarket choice and more employment opportunities, as well as whether people supported plans for a new Asda store in Larne. It is reported that most respondents answered "yes" to these questions; the Traders Forum would also agree that more choice and employment is needed and that a store like Asda seeking to come to Larne is good news. The Asda survey also asked if people supported "the plans for the redevelopment of the Redlands"; there were no alternative development sites suggested for consideration.
Larne Traders Forum felt there were additional important questions to be put to the public and therefore commissioned their own survey.
This survey confirmed that a large number of local people are carrying out their weekly grocery shopping outside Larne - just over half are shopping in Larne; the Traders Forum has recognised that many people leave the town to carry out their weekly shopping and has suported the need for multi national convenience retailers to locate in Larne town centre.
Parking availability and proximity to other shops and services was reinforced by nearly eight in every ten respondents considering that it would be preferable for a large supermarket to be located in the town centre. This was reinformced by three quarters considering that it was very important for Larne Town Centre to have a good mix of local shops and multi national stores.
The cost of goods was the most important issue to people in deciding where to shop; nearly 4 out of every 10 people surveyed felt this was their main consideration. This is likely to continue to be an important element in deciding where to shop in the current economic climate. It has also been noted that with the increasing costs of motoring, shoppers may be more inclined to shop closer to home.
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed considered that a good choice of products helped them decide where to shop; and parking availability was the main issue for less than one out of every five respondents. Being close to other shops and services was important for nearly one in ten people.
Larne Traders Forum recognises the need for multi national convenience retailers to come to Larne; this survey demonstrates the proportion of shoppers who travel out of town for their weekly grocery shopping. The responses also demonstrate that when asked the question, the public feel that the regeneration of the town centre is very important for Larne; the Traders Forum considers that a large supermarket located in the town centre with appropriate parking and pedestrian access would contribute to this regeneration as well as complementing the existing range of multi national stores, independent shops and services; it would provide all customers with the opportunity to make a single journey for all their shopping needs and provide for those using public as well as private transport.
Larne Traders Forum members would wish to thank members of the public who took time to respond to their survey. The Forum feels that there is widespread understanding of the importance of the town centre to the overall economic and social well-being of the town and surrounding area; when offered a choice of possible locations for a large supermarket, nearly 80% preferred the town centre.
"It is important that the views of the local community are taken into account in decision making for major projects which will have a long term impact on the successful regeneration and development of Larne" says David Hunter, Larne Traders Forum spokesman for planning and development. "I would also encourage people to write to the Planning Service in Ballymena to support town centre locations for major convenience retail development."
28 July 2008
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Analysis of the responses from the survey showed the following:
- Respondents were asked where they carried out their weekly grocery shopping:
52.6% currently do their weekly grocery shopping in Larne Town Centre
46.7% currently do their weekly shopping elsewhere
(18.0% in Carrickfergus
11.7% in Ballyclare
7.5% in Newtownabbey/Belfast
6.5% in Ballymena
2.8% elsewhere
0.6% do their weekly grocery shop on line
- Respondents were asked to indicate the most important issue in deciding where to shop (some indicated more than one)
39.3% cost of goods
24.6% good choice of products
17.7% parking availability
8.9% close to other shops and services
4.9% customer service
4.6% supermarket brand name
- Opinion was sought on the importance of the regeneration of Larne Town Centre to respondents
79.3% considered it very important
17.1% considered it to be important
3.3% considered it to be unimportant
0.4% felt it was completely unimportant
- In light of proposals for large supermarkets at Redlands, Millbrook and Inver, respondents were asked it it would be better if a large supermarket could be located in the town centre.
78.3% said "Yes"
21.7% said "No"
- Respondents were asked to indicate the importance they placed on having a good mix of local shops and multi national stores in Larne Town Centre
75.6% considered this was very important
10.9% felt this was important
4.3% responded that it was unimportant
0.2% considered this was completely unimportant
2. For further comment contact: David Hunter, Larne Traders Forum spokesperson for planning and development - 07712875041
