Council Chairman welcomes movement on retail with ‘Stay Local, Shop Local’ message
11th June 2020
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chairman, Councillor Chris Smyth, has welcomed the announcement from the Executive that all non-essential goods retailers may reopen from Friday 12 June 2020.
Councillor Chris Smyth, said:
“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our economy. The past three months have been incredibly difficult for our businesses across the district and this announcement for the retail sector is another welcome step forward.
Many of our local businesses have been to the forefront of supporting communities across Fermanagh and Omagh throughout this challenging period. Local shops and independent retailers are at the heart of our towns and villages and I urge our residents to ‘Stay Local, Shop Local’ and to take this opportunity to support the recovery of our local economy.
I am also pleased to confirm that the Council will commence a phased programme of reopening of public conveniences starting with those at Johnston Park, Omagh and Eden Street, Enniskillen on Friday 12 June to coincide with the expected increase in numbers within the main towns.”
Shoppers and visitors to town centres are urged to continue to adhere to public health advice and to practice social distancing in order to protect their own health and safety and that of those around them. Only by doing so can we ensure that we can continue to stop the spread of the virus.
Council Officers are continuing to liaise with the business community and with other partners to provide support and advice as appropriate.