Campbell hits out at lack of 'business acumen' in city centre

The East Londonderry MP told the Sentinel of his surprise at the lack of business premises open in the city centre.

Speaking to the Sentinel Mr Campbell said:

"I was in the city centre just after 1pm on Saturday and was alarmed to see the amount of premises that were not open for trade."

He said that, at various times of the year in relation to parades, especially August 12 and Lundy's Day, and at times when there have been republican terror incidents and bombings, there had been complaints in Londonderry about disruption, yet "the majority of shops were not trading on New Year's day".

"In the run up to Christmas with the bad weather many people did not have the opportunity to get out and shop.

"There was also the issue of the lack of gritting on the city's walkways. Saturday was also the last major trading day before the increase in the VAT rate on Monday, but yet a lot of shops remained closed.

"I would therefore question why this was the case when many other reasons are often given as to why disruption is caused to trade."