Councillors defer decision to renew Larne, Carrick and Ballymena shopping discount app
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The ShopMEA discount app, funded by the Department for Communities Town Centre Recovery Fund at a cost of £29,500, was established in a bid to encourage visitors and shoppers to support town centre retailers in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena.
A total of 386 businesses are registered. The contract with independent provider 'Bubltown' is due to end in October.
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Hide AdSpeaking at a meeting of the council's Environment and Economy Committee, Carrickfergus Castle Ulster Unionist Councillor Robin Stewart said the app had gained 193 followers in two years yet a new community greengrocers in Carrick had 2,900 in just two weeks.
"Quite a few businesses mentioned have folded," he commented. "I spoke to 11 business owners in Carrick. None has had any business or response in the two-year period. It has not helped anyone I have spoken with."
Ballymena Sinn Fein Councillor Breanainn Lyness said he believed the £9,500 cost to renew the contract "does not seem to be worth it".
Knockagh Alliance Councillor Aaron Skinner remarked: "There is rising concern about how the success is measured of digital products."
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Hide AdCarrickfergus Castle DUP Alderman Billy Ashe said he had tried to get traders onto it and he had contacted the council without success.
Cllr Stewart added: "I think we should pull the plug on it now." Cllr Lyness said: "We are walking a dead march on this, just pull the plug."
Bannside TUV Councillor Timothy Gaston suggested: "I think there is merit in having another report. I think it is unfair to just pull the plug now." Cllr Stewart said that he would be happy to defer.
Braid DUP Councillor William McCaughey stated: "This was a new concept. I think it would be worthwhile for officers to take it away and defer this for a month or six weeks."
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Hide AdCllr Lyness added: "I think we have to be more decisive as a council. The app is a good idea but it does not work. Let's put the money into something more worthwhile."
Coast Road Ulster Unionist Alderman Maureen Morrow maintained that it has "potential", adding: “It has been left on the long finger. Larne, Carrick and Ballymena all need a boost. We need to get the shop app out to the wider community not just Mid and East Antrim."
It was agreed by the committee - with the exceptions of Coast Road Sinn Fein Councillor James McKeown and Cllr Lyness - to defer a decision.