News

DUNGANNON Is Much Nearer So Your Money Goes Much Further.

That's the timely theme of this year's Christmas Promotional Campaign being launched by the Dungannon Regeneration Partnership (DRP) in conjunction with Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council to encourage residents and visitors to save cash by doing their shopping and celebrating in and around the town centre.

"Many families in South Tyrone and surrounding areas will have to make their Christmas budget stretch further than ever, because of the current economic uncertainty," states Councillor Walter Cuddy, Chair of DRP. "That's why we are urging them to save on fuel and travel costs by spending their money closer to home.

"This will have other major benefits that need to be emphasised - they will not only be helping to protect local jobs by keeping their Christmas money in the local economy, but also they could be making a further contribution to local prosperity by purchasing local products as gifts," he says.

There will be little evidence of any economic downturn in the streets and shopping centres of Dungannon, which promise to be as full of seasonal atmosphere and festive fare as ever.

"In fact, everybody is making an extra-special effort this year to make the most of Christmas," says Town Development Manager Paul McCreedy. "Our campaign emphasises that Dungannon not only offers shopping opportunities that are distinctively different from the other major retail centres of Northern Ireland, but it has everything else to make a great day out."

Among the advantages being publicised include the town's easy accessibility from all over the Province - and particularly from across the Border. "We are pleased to see so many customers from Monaghan and Cavan, in particular, coming North to bag bargains and socialise with us, thanks to the favourable Euro exchange rate they are enjoying at the moment," says Paul.

Locally-owned businesses
"As well as the range of well-established multi-national stores along our busy streets, we are particularly proud of our strong representation of independent locally-owned businesses, specialist shops and outdoor markets.

"We have a huge range of outlets within walking distance of one another and car parking is plentiful, so we are ideal for carefree One-Stop Christmas Shopping," says Paul. "All shops and cafes in the town centre will be open for late night shopping just before Christmas -- on Thurs 18th, Fri 19th, Mon 22nd and Tues 23rd December when shoppers can enjoy a unique shopping experience and sample seasonal cuisine".

Among the other big draws are unique visitor attractions such as the Linen Green complex at Moygashel, the Oaks Centre, Tyrone Crystal factory/showroom, the new Castle Hill Park and Ranfurly House Visitor Information Centre, plus the shops and studios along the Tyrone Craft Trail -- the local network of craftworkers whose creations are particularly suitable at Christmas.

Among the restaurants which will be striving this year to capture the spirit of the times by serving up good-value, high-quality meals, are the members of the Flavour of Tyrone Good Food Circle who specialise in using fresh, locally-sourced produce in menus which feature imaginative dishes. Their aim is: Festive Fare presented with Flair.

Dungannon's decorations and upbeat atmosphere are up to the standard that visitors would expect from the vibrant town that frequently wins awards in the International Quality of Life and Ulster in Bloom competitions. Details are available from www.DungannonLife.com

The town's pubs and restaurants will also be pulling out all the stops this Christmas to provide the best of festive fare and convivial craic to keep your mind off the economic news!

Mayor Councillor the Lord Morrow MLA of Clogher Valley, stated, "Over the few years Dungannon has built on its strong retail character and now offers the customer a wide range of choice and value shopping coupled with the convenience of being on the doorstep. In the current economic climate everyone is being more economically prudent and shopping at home saves on expensive car-parking and fuel which in turn impacts positively on the environment. So support our local traders and shop in your home town of Dungannon this Christmas."

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 19 November 2008