Winning the war against recession - Ballyjamesduff style

The entrepreneurial people of Ballyjamesduff are riding out the recession with a positive attitude and this is reflected by the fact that numerous new businesses have opened in the town in recent times. The chairman of Ballyjamesduff Community Council Padraig Smith told The Anglo Celt that it was great to see many new businesses being started up in the town. It was a fine vote of confidence in the town as a business centre offering great value to customers and also knocked all the negative talk about the recession on the head. "People should support local businesses as much as possible. There is noting to be gained by being negative and we would encourage people to shop local", said Mr. Smith. Ballyjamesduff is also moving with the times when it comes to security matters and the community council has installed four cctv cameras in the town and there are plans to have more cameras put in place at strategic locations. "I would to thank the various businesses for allowing them to be put on their premises and utilising their systems. It is a great initiative and is also done in liaison with the Gardai. It is making the town a safer place for people to come to at night or in the day time. "I must point out that it is not because there is much crime going on in the town but at least when something does happen there will be a much improved chance of catching those responsible", said Padraig Smith. The Culchie Festival will also bring many people to the town and will create a bit of hype around the town. "We would like to welcome all the Paddy O'Reilly's back to the town", stated the community council chairman. Long time businessman in Ballyjamesduff, Aidan O'Reilly, who operates the Spar supermarket, says that local people are loyal to the shops in the town and the rural hinterland has remained faithful. The drive is on to get new residents in the town to shop local. Aidan pointed that with more people unemployed they tended to have more time to travel away to shop. He also revealed that people now brought shopping lists with them which they did not do in the good times. "Shopping here in the town is very good considering the downturn and all the units are being rented out to new businesses", said Mr. O'Reilly. Niall Cusack who operates an electrical business in Chapel Street said that business was going well and local people were wonderful at supporting local outlets. He pointed out that the recession had not effected his business to the same degree as larger businesses. Laura Hudson said that she had opened the discount store five weeks ago and it was going very well. "A lot of people are very happy that it has opened especially in time for Christmas when people have to purchase toys and household stuff", she said. Another long established businessman in Ballyjamesduff, Pat Clarke, said he was delighted to see so many new businesses opening in the town. It is in stark contrast to some other towns where businesses are closing down. "It is very positive news for the town of Ballyjamesduff and the town is looking very well at present and a lot of customers are commenting on how well the town is going at present", says Pat Clarke. He was glad that the community council was working in conjunction with the gardai in relation to the security cameras. "That is the way to go and not be always leaving it to the gardai to sort out the problems on the streets. What happens here at weekends happens in every town in the country and I think it is up to the townspeople to work with the gardai to sort out any problems that might arise", said Mr. Clarke. Michael Cooney of BJD Electrical said they established their new business in February and was very happy with how it was going. "Ballyjamesduff is a good business town and we are keeping our prices down to ensure stuff keeps moving. If it means getting €20 less, we'll take €20 less", he said. Making the point that people were seeking good value Mr. Cooney said he was firmly of the view that there was good value in everything in Ballyjamesduff. "We just have to go out and promote ourselves more. If you give value for money people will come to shop in the town. They are tired of travelling to the North. It is costing them more money to shop in NI than in Ballyjamesduff", he said. The new businesses include Cusack Electrical, Hudson's Discount Store, East Bridge International Foodmarket, the new Polish Shop, Glam and Glitz, Lolly's Gents and Ladies Hairdressors, the Revival Charity shop and another on lower Market Street - Charity Shop, Treasure Chest, and Finsure Insurance and Ballyjamesduff Bookmakers and the new Beehive Cafe.