Landlord warns vacant eyesore properties impact trade

A LANDLORD on one of Omagh’s main town centre streets is calling for action to improve the condition
of two vacant properties in the area.

Gerard Devlin is concerned that the buildings on Bridge Street are affecting trade.

The street is a key commercial centre in the town.

Mr Devlin has made efforts to get in contact with the owner of the two adjoining former businesses premises, but has so far been unsuccessful.

He says the matter is proving immensely frustrating for both him and other traders on Bridge Street.

“These two properties have been unoccupied for a number of years now.

“Their condition has gradually deteriorated during that time to the point where I feel it has started to have a detrimental impact on local business,” he said.

“One of my tenants is in no doubt that she has had people miss appointments because of the unsightly
nature of these buildings.

“There has been ‘to let’ signage erected on them, but it’s questionable at this stage whether they would be in a condition fit for rental.

“Most of the buildings on Bridge Street available of grant-aid to improve their shop fronts and the street is now looking very well.

“But these two properties are detracting from that.

“Both myself and other businesses on Bridge Street are very keen that something is done to sort this problem out before it gets any worse.”

Mr Devlin said that the current economic conditions were making it extremely difficult to rent properties, including in town centres.

“Derelict properties on any street send out a negative image. Town centres are beginning to open up
again after the lockdown and that’s why we would want to see something done as soon as possible over
these two adjoining buildings,” he added.