ANB Council Launches New 'Embrace Your Town' Campaign

A new initiative to bring together residents, businesses and local organisations in a shared effort to showcase the unique charm, offerings and character in their town centres has been launched by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

In the wake of unprecedented challenges, faced particularly by small, local businesses, the 'Embrace Your Town' campaign, supported by Department for Communities (DfC), aims to foster a sense of community pride and encourage residents to rediscover exactly what their local town centre has to offer.

The Council said: "Local family bakeries, gift shops, clothing boutiques, hardware stores, artisan goods, independent solicitors and estate agents are just a few of the diverse range of businesses working hard to remain in our town centres and residents can play a pivotal role in keeping them there by driving economic growth and sustaining a vibrant community." Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, commented: "The 'Embrace Your Town' campaign places a spotlight on all small, local businesses that are the life-blood of our town centres. By fostering a renewed sense of pride and togetherness, we hope the campaign has a positive impact on supporting these businesses and encourages residents to support local, building a more vibrant town centre."

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM stated: "Our High Streets have continued to face significant challenges due to increasing costs, coupled with the growth of online shopping and reduced footfall. This impacts on their ability to do business and their survival.

"Every day, 30 small businesses across Northern Ireland close their doors. This is seen more prevalently in town centre locations. Therefore, it is more important than ever for our residents and local organisations to support your high street, appreciate your local businesses and Embrace your Town!"

Council will be releasing a series of five town centre videos each day on their social channels. Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to get involved in the campaign by sharing their favourite shops, characters, experiences or products in their town centres and encourage others to visit, by using the hashtag #EmbraceYourTown.

For more information about the 'Embrace Your Town' campaign visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/embraceyourtown