Hit the streets and shop local this Christmas

SHOPPERS are being urged to hit the streets of our towns in favour of online shopping this Christmas.

The point was made by Westport-based Councillor Christy Hyland: “When you are fundraising locally for your sports club or group, Amazon won't give you a spot prize.”

Businesses are facing increasing difficulties due to online shopping and he encouraged everyone to 'please shop local'.

His own town, Westport, will be lit up this festive season despite some recent 'negativity' going out about the Christmas lights, he told a Westport-Belmullet MD meeting yesterday (Friday). Himself and Councillor Brendan Mulroy were providing the lights, and had given funding to the scheme every year, he pointed out.

He put it to the two councillors newly elected this year – Councillor Peter Flynn and Councillor Johnny O'Malley – that they too could have allocated money by making a commitment from the monies they will receive next year.

However, Councillor Flynn said as new councillors they have no budget.

Councillor Paul McNamara made the point that Kilmeena-based Councillor O'Malley was being asked to commit to Newport and Westport but he had no allocation to give.

Santa, he added, doesn't just arrive in Westport.