Stewart Dickson MLA said: “This decision is great news for the towns that this proposal would have affected. It will be a major boost to the local shops whose trade would have been hurt by this proposal.
“Carrick and Larne town centres would have been devastated by this proposal, so I am glad that the Minister has made this decision which is in the best interest of local traders.
“I am however concerned at the announcement of a reduction of £2 million in Roads Service’s operating budget. This could affect their ability to repair potholes in our roads and could seriously damage their winter gritting operations.
“Translink are also going to lose £2.7 million which the Minister has stated should not affect fare prices, but will obviously harm the frequency and number of services that they can provide. Public transport is vital for the most vulnerable people in our society, so any reduction in services will have negative consequences for them.
“I will continue to work at the Assembly and in my Regional Development Committee to ensure that these cuts in funding will not adversely affect the public.”
ENDS