Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is to explore the possibility of letting mobile vendors trade in Loughgall Country Park.
Council officers confirmed they would explore the idea further during a discussion on the Born2Run 5k/10K event to be held at the park this Saturday (November 27).
Members were informed a request had been received to hold a forest 5K and 10K run at the park and permission has also been requested for the provision of one mobile vendor on the site for the duration of the event.
The mobile vendor will offer hot refreshments to participants following the race. In accordance with section 12 of Council bye laws, Council is required to consent to the selling of any commodity or article in pleasure gardens.
Councillor Sam Nicholson said he would be happy to propose Council grants permission for the event and the mobile vendor.
“I am happy to propose the recommendation we consent to this request. I don’t think there is any issue, we support a lot of outdoor events and 5K and 10K events are good for helping to keep our borough fit, so this is something I am happy to propose,” he said.
The proposal was seconded by Councillor Darryn Causby although the Portadown councillor did ask about the potential impact this vendor may have on local businesses in the area.
“I have no issue with the proposal in principle and am happy to second it but I want to clarify an issue in regards to mobile vendors at Loughgall County Park,” he said.
“According to the report, there are no mobile vendors operating at the site and the request is to have one on site for the duration of the event.
“Are the event organisers going to bring the vendor or how is that going to work? I am conscious there are local business in the village and quite a busy coffee shop in the village as well that may not benefit in terms of the event itself.
“Perhaps we should consider, like we have with other parks and facilities, looking for better provision for vendors within the park going forward.
“Looking at the likes of Gosford and vendors at other parks this is maybe something we should be considering further to increase footfall and add to the amenity of Loughgall.”
Council’s head of estates and asset management, Jonathan Hayes confirmed the event organiser would be brining the vendor in for this one off occasion but confirmed officers would explore the suggestions put forward by Councillor Causby.
Cllr Nicholson’s proposal to grant permission for the Born2Run event and a mobile vendor to trade at Loughgall County Park this Saturday, November 27, was seconded by Cllr Causby and the chamber voiced its approval.
