Allister shocked by rise in empty business sites in Ballymena

“This 10% rise in just one year, from an already high base, is shocking and indicative of an economy in continuing decline,” said the TUV leader.

“To find almost 500 businesses premises in this once thriving hive of commercial activity lying empty speaks to both a deep recession and a failure by government to re-energise the economy. I believe high rates are a big contributor to this sorry state of affairs.

“Across the three council districts of North Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney and Moyle, the number of vacant business premises has risen from 746 to 786, with Ballymena by far the worst. In Ballymoney it is pretty much as we were with a rise from 192 to 194 and in Moyle there has been a marginal improvement, with a fall in vacant premises from 109 to 104,” Mr Allister revealed.

He added: “These are 786 businesses that used to offer employment and today lie shuttered. While Stormont boasts of its rates relief policies, the harsh reality on our high streets is of an unequal struggle between rising overheads and falling profits. Painting up empty shop windows may make things look better, but it is an inadequate response by government to a deepening crisis.”