Lisburn must not be left waiting over John Lewis and Maze stadium

Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has demanded that the Stormont Executive ensure Lisburn faces no further delays over decisions on the John Lewis store plans and Maze stadium proposals. He said that the Executive has failed to meet timetables on so many issues that he has no faith in them acting quickly. His comments come after Environment Minister Sammy Wilson assured Lisburn City Council that the John Lewis store planning application would be dealt with as soon as possible.

The Opposition MLA stated: “It’s time that the Stormont Executive stopped messing Lisburn around. Our city deserves answers now as to whether or not the John Lewis store and the Maze stadium projects will go ahead. Lisburn is being left in limbo at the moment.

“No other part of Northern Ireland has to put up with so many hitches and delays on two projects as important as these. The future direction of the city of Lisburn hinges on these decisions and they are vitally important for the economy of the wider region.

“In August, Culture Minister Gregory Campbell said he would make a decision on the Maze stadium within a few weeks. He is now making a mockery of local people with his continuing procrastination.

“I have absolutely no faith in assurances from the Stormont Executive that the John Lewis planning application will be dealt with quickly. I want to keep the pressure on the Executive to let them know that any delays will cost Lisburn and will cost Northern Ireland too.”

ENDS