OMAGH GOES ON ROAD TO REGENERATION
Omagh goes on the road to regeneration
By Edward McCann
A CAMPAIGN which aims to help the regeneration of Omagh's town centre was launched yesterday at the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast.
The Give a Day to Omagh campaign has been organised by local traders, with the help of Translink, and the intention is to encourage people throughout Ireland to spend a day in the town in support of the local community.
UTV's Gerry Kelly helped to launch the campaign from behind the wheel of one of Translink's Goldliner coaches.
"This is a fantastic initiative and I would advocate anyone to go along and help the people of Omagh reclaim their town centre," said
Gerry.
Patrick Bogues, chairman of the Joint Traders/Chamber Group in Omagh, said the initiative was designed to give ordinary people something tangible to do.
"We had a tremendous response from people throughout Ireland since the atrocity and we felt we had to find some way of tapping into this goodwill," he said.
"By visiting the town for just one day people can show solidarity with the people of Omagh.
"Hopefully the centre of the town can then be reclaimed by the local community."
Michael Gaine, chairman of Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said he hoped the scheme would play a role in laying to rest fears in the town.
"We are not expecting people to spend money in the town. We just want them to visit the town with their families and even just pop in for a chat with local traders."
The first organised visit of the initiative has been planned by church leaders throughout Northern Ireland and will take place on Saturday, November 14.
By Edward McCann
A CAMPAIGN which aims to help the regeneration of Omagh's town centre was launched yesterday at the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast.
The Give a Day to Omagh campaign has been organised by local traders, with the help of Translink, and the intention is to encourage people throughout Ireland to spend a day in the town in support of the local community.
UTV's Gerry Kelly helped to launch the campaign from behind the wheel of one of Translink's Goldliner coaches.
"This is a fantastic initiative and I would advocate anyone to go along and help the people of Omagh reclaim their town centre," said
Gerry.
Patrick Bogues, chairman of the Joint Traders/Chamber Group in Omagh, said the initiative was designed to give ordinary people something tangible to do.
"We had a tremendous response from people throughout Ireland since the atrocity and we felt we had to find some way of tapping into this goodwill," he said.
"By visiting the town for just one day people can show solidarity with the people of Omagh.
"Hopefully the centre of the town can then be reclaimed by the local community."
Michael Gaine, chairman of Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said he hoped the scheme would play a role in laying to rest fears in the town.
"We are not expecting people to spend money in the town. We just want them to visit the town with their families and even just pop in for a chat with local traders."
The first organised visit of the initiative has been planned by church leaders throughout Northern Ireland and will take place on Saturday, November 14.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0473
Published Date: 11-Nov-98
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