Latest:

03:02 Stars play charity football match
03:02 Hunt faces Leveson Inquiry grilling
02:12 Egypt candidates woo middle ground
01:22 Clinton: End Assad 'rule of murder'
00:22 Rebel groups agree on Islamic state
00:22 Saltire Games ban 'ridiculous'
00:22 Food industry experience offered
00:22 Scott: Sci fi is getting worn out

Retail alone can't save cities

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

I hear that shop guru Mary Portas has been hired to advise on regenerating high streets in Northern Ireland.

I really do hope she visits Lisburn - the place is a model of economic decline.

Lisburn City Council has announced a rates rise of 4%, which I imagine is its way of helping the situation.

To attract visitors it is necessary to provide entertainment and culture - not just retail.

The city needs a new theatre or art gallery to replace the arts centre in the council complex, which is a terrible venue.

GEORGE FREDRICKSON

Hillsborough, Co Down

To email your letter to the Editor click here

Print
Text Size
- Normal
- Large
- Extra Large

Comment Forum Explained

NiteLife: The Roost, Granny's, Bert's

Had a big night out? Click here to send your pics

Balmoral Show: Pictures and Results

In Pictures: North West 200

Old School Pics: Alex Higgins

To launch gallery click image or select school below

Methodist College, Campbell College, Grosvenor,
Bangor Grammar, Dunlambert, St Augustine's,
St Dominic's, Royal Academy, Ballymena Academy

The Troubles: Northern Ireland's First Minister and Deputy First Minister

Gallery: Awesome images of Titanic

Breaking News

News
Sport
World
UK and Ireland

03:02 Stars play charity football match
03:02 Hunt faces Leveson Inquiry grilling
02:12 Egypt candidates woo middle ground
01:22 Clinton: End Assad 'rule of murder'
00:22 Rebel groups agree on Islamic state
00:22 Saltire Games ban 'ridiculous'

Teletoons by Stevie Lee

Horoscopes

Out & About: The Garrick

Columnist Comments

• Why my kids feel Olympics are not the real thing now

I did quite well in my school exams, but the only thing for which I can confidently say I stood out like a beacon among my fellow pupils was my record-breaking 100-metres dash.

• Think your money is legal tender? Don’t bank on it

Readers have a habit of shining spotlights on unexpected issues that throw up interesting queries. Or, on occasion, a downright can of worms.

• World must open its eyes and see Israel for what it is

Why pick on Israel when there's so much injustice in the rest of the world? The answer is to be found in the specific circumstances which gave rise to the launch of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) campaign in July 2005.

• PR machine is driving Sinn Fein power push

Sinn Fein's ard fheis opens in Killarney tomorrow. Like most conferences held by successful political parties, it is a well-managed set-piece. It is a PR event and it is aimed at the voters watching on TV.

• Why bringing up our kids should be child's play... or maybe it's not

Nurse, the screens! Yup, top experts have issued new warnings about kiddies watching nothing but tellies and computers, while real life flits by unnoticed outside.

Skip Links

Navigation