Community rallies round local business

Laganview Convenience store, which is a social enterprise business run by a local family who live in the area, has been broken into for a second in the same number of weeks. Barkingham Palace dog grooming parlour and Laganview Enterprise Centre was also damaged in the break-in. Adrian Bird, Chairman of Laganview Enterprise Centre, explained: “Once again we have seen a young family who are trying to run a local business which is helping and supporting all the community in Old Warren, having to deal with the aftermath of their premises being burgled and damaged for a second time. “I would also condemn the damaged cause to Laganview Enterprise Centre and Barkingham Palace Dog Grooming parlour which is adjacent to the Laganview Convenience store. “Following this second burglary, the community felt it was right to stand shoulder to shoulder with this family run business and show our support and outrage at those who are coming into our community and causing so much distress and hurt. “I would urge anyone with information concerning these burglaries to contact the police and stop these criminal gangs who are putting local business and local jobs on the line.” Board member of Laganview Enterprise Centre Alderman Paul Porter said: “Having talked to the owners of Laganview Convenience Store, I have seen first-hand, the distress and pain that these burglaries have caused. “I believe the show of support from the local community in Old Warren will be a great sense of support and encouragement to this local family run business that is in the heart of the community. “I would call on anyone with any information to contact the PSNI and to help stop these attacks. Together we can put these criminals out of business.” Policing Board member and Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig also urged poeple to help stamp out such criminilaity. He continued: “At a time like this it is great to see the community coming together supporting their local business that offers a vital service for the whole community.”