Community rallies round local business

The local community and politicians have come together to show their support for a Lisburn family run convenience store based at Laganview Enterprise Centre.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Apr 2014, 08:29 BST
Residents and politicians have come out in a show of support for shop-owners at Lagan View Enterprise Centre who have suffered a series of break-ins over recent weeks. Pictured (front) are Diane McLucas, owner of Barkingham Palace, and Melanie Hepburn, owner of Day Today, along with Jonathan Craig MLA, Adrian Bird, chair of Lagan View Enterprise Centre, Alderman Paul Porter, Edwin Poots MLA and Paul Givan MLA. US1414-576cd Picture: Cliff DonaldsonResidents and politicians have come out in a show of support for shop-owners at Lagan View Enterprise Centre who have suffered a series of break-ins over recent weeks. Pictured (front) are Diane McLucas, owner of Barkingham Palace, and Melanie Hepburn, owner of Day Today, along with Jonathan Craig MLA, Adrian Bird, chair of Lagan View Enterprise Centre, Alderman Paul Porter, Edwin Poots MLA and Paul Givan MLA. US1414-576cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Residents and politicians have come out in a show of support for shop-owners at Lagan View Enterprise Centre who have suffered a series of break-ins over recent weeks. Pictured (front) are Diane McLucas, owner of Barkingham Palace, and Melanie Hepburn, owner of Day Today, along with Jonathan Craig MLA, Adrian Bird, chair of Lagan View Enterprise Centre, Alderman Paul Porter, Edwin Poots MLA and Paul Givan MLA. US1414-576cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Laganview Convenience store, which is a social enterprise business run by a local family who live in the area, has been broken into for a second in the same number of weeks.

Barkingham Palace dog grooming parlour and Laganview Enterprise Centre was also damaged in the break-in.

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Adrian Bird, Chairman of Laganview Enterprise Centre, explained: “Once again we have seen a young family who are trying to run a local business which is helping and supporting all the community in Old Warren, having to deal with the aftermath of their premises being burgled and damaged for a second time.

“I would also condemn the damaged cause to Laganview Enterprise Centre and Barkingham Palace Dog Grooming parlour which is adjacent to the Laganview Convenience store.

“Following this second burglary, the community felt it was right to stand shoulder to shoulder with this family run business and show our support and outrage at those who are coming into our community and causing so much distress and hurt.

“I would urge anyone with information concerning these burglaries to contact the police and stop these criminal gangs who are putting local business and local jobs on the line.”

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Board member of Laganview Enterprise Centre Alderman Paul Porter said: “Having talked to the owners of Laganview Convenience Store, I have seen first-hand, the distress and pain that these burglaries have caused.

“I believe the show of support from the local community in Old Warren will be a great sense of support and encouragement to this local family run business that is in the heart of the community.

“I would call on anyone with any information to contact the PSNI and to help stop these attacks.

Together we can put these criminals out of business.”

Policing Board member and Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig also urged poeple to help stamp out such criminilaity. He continued: “At a time like this it is great to see the community coming together supporting their local business that offers a vital service for the whole community.”

Related topics:LisburnJonathan Craig