The director of Belfast Christmas Market is hoping the suspension of roadworks in the run-up to Christmas allays concerns after recent traffic congestion in the city., which is being blamed on roadworks and the opening of a new multi-million pound transport hub, is causing a drop in footfall and affecting local businesses.
Allan Hartwell, managing director of Market Place which runs the Christmas event, said he first heard about the traffic issues shortly before arriving in the city for the market's set up. He said the suspension of non-essential roadworks on Belfast routes, which is planned for 25 November, should ease concerns.Mary Taylor has been operating her clothing stall in Belfast's market for seven years - surviving setbacks caused by the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
"There wasn’t a huge amount of markets operating with full-time traders, and not traders that can sustain a five-week market." The winner, Emma Goodman from Lurgan in County Armagh, said she was shocked when she received the good news.Ms Goodman, who has a dog accessory business, spotted the competition while recovering from surgery earlier this year.
Geri Martin, who runs an artisan chocolate shop in Castlerock, said the experience is invaluable during the business's busiest time of the year."It's such a difficult time of the year for us because we're so busy with all of our corporate work and Christmas gifts so the way it has been set up is fantastic and every year we see our sales grow.
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