Department of Communities - Neighbourhood Retailer https://neighbourhoodretailer.com The authoritative voice of the grocery industry in Northern Ireland Wed, 22 Jun 2022 10:03:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-NR-SIte-Icon-2-32x32.png Department of Communities - Neighbourhood Retailer https://neighbourhoodretailer.com 32 32 178129390 Belfast One BIDs light up Church Lane and Bank Square https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/belfast-one-bidss-light-up-church-lane-and-bank-square/ Wed, 22 Jun 2022 10:02:59 +0000 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/?p=22512 Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID) has officially launched lighting schemes at Church Lane and Bank Square in Belfast city centre. Working in partnership with

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]]> Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID) has officially launched lighting schemes at Church Lane and Bank Square in Belfast city centre.

Working in partnership with Belfast City Council and local businesses, the Belfast One lighting schemes feature specially designed LED lights along the length of Church Lane and tree lighting at Bank Square. The lights are set to come on at dusk and switch off at dawn.

The schemes, funded by Belfast City Council as part of the Covid recovery programme from Department of Communities and supported by Department for Infrastructure, aim to enhance the city centre experience for all visitors and businesses.

The Church Lane lighting scheme includes 15 crossing centenary wires with two or three alternate lights hanging from each, as well as street artwork and planters along the streetscape. Additional works will soon be completed at Cole’s Alley, just off Church Lane.

Welcoming the new lighting schemes, Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA, said: “I am delighted to see the positive change being delivered through the Covid19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme.

“My Department introduced the Programme to assist our towns and city centres in their recovery and it is making real change. I commend the Belfast One BID in their vision for this area. It will no doubt contribute to the area as a vibrant and engaging place for people to enjoy.”

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, said: “Schemes like this literally brighten our streets by transforming areas and creating ambient,

attractive city centre spaces that shoppers, workers, tourists and families can use to rest, eat and socialise with friends.

“I am pleased that my Department has been able to work with our partners to provide funding and support to a scheme that enhances and illuminates this area to boost local business and tourism.”

Launching the lighting scheme, Belfast Lord Mayor, councillor Tina Black, said: “This new street lighting demonstrates the successful partnership working between Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure, the Department for Communities, the BIDs, and businesses to deliver placemaking projects that are revitalising our city.

“On Church Lane, this new lighting will not only illuminate a bustling city centre street, but also enhance connectivity between our vibrant retail core and the lively Cathedral Quarter, making it a safer, more pleasant route for all those who walk, wheel or cycle.

“The new lighting installed at Bank Square is also a very welcome addition to the enhancements delivered in that area over the last number of years. I’d like to commend the Belfast One BID, the Departments, council, and especially the Church Lane traders and businesses for their cooperation and support. Initiatives like these are helping us to deliver on our Bolder Vision and Future City Centre ambitions for Belfast – creating livelier, safer and greener streets.”

Kathleen McBride, Belfast One, added: “In partnership with Belfast City Council, Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure and city centre businesses, we are delighted to unveil the lighting schemes located at Church Lane and Bank Square. The aim of the schemes is to help enhance and create an identity of place that is vibrant, safe and welcoming at both locations. From its inception, businesses welcomed this investment. We are delighted with the results and feel this lighting scheme will contribute positively towards promoting Belfast city centre as a place people want to live, work, visit and invest in.”

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]]> 22512 Post Office card accounts for pensions coming to an end https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/post-office-card-accounts-for-pensions-coming-to-an-end/ Mon, 02 Aug 2021 11:25:54 +0000 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/?p=17918 NR readers with in-store Post Office counters are being advised that the contract to pay pensions via Post Office Card Accounts is coming to an

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]]> NR readers with in-store Post Office counters are being advised that the contract to pay pensions via Post Office Card Accounts is coming to an end. The Department for Communities is encouraging its customers who receive their benefits and/or pensions into a Post Office card account (POca) to take action as the end of the POca contract approaches.

The new future method of payment aims to pay pension and benefits to customers through new innovative, secure and efficient methods of payment. Many older, vulnerable customers may not be aware of the changes and may need support in making the switch.

Customers are encouraged to open a mainstream account such as a bank, building society or similar account as soon as possible. The Department of the Economy says payment to a mainstream account is the preferred method of payment as it is considered to be the most efficient, secure and reliable method of payment.

PayPoint and Post Office

Customers who cannot open or manage a mainstream account can be paid into the bank account of a trusted friend or family member or will be offered to migrate to the new Payment Exception Service, which will primarily use the Paypoint and Post Office network to cash vouchers. This will allow customers to access funds across a wider spectrum of locations and venues going forward.

A Department for Communities spokesperson said: “The majority of banks’ personal customers are now able to withdraw or deposit cash and cheques and make balance enquiries at Post Office counters, which means that switching payments to a mainstream account need not change how customers collect their monies at their local post office.

“Both the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Communities are committed to ensuring that as many customers as possible are supported to move to a mainstream account prior to the ending of the contract. Those customers who do not open a mainstream account will be automatically migrated to the new Payment Exception Service to ensure future continuity of benefit and pension payments.”

The Department recognises that some customers may have difficulty with changing their payment method and need help to choose an account that is right for their circumstances. Support is available via a dedicated free telephone service (0800 085 7133) which has been set up within DWP and offers POca users the opportunity to ask questions and seek support in choosing an account that meets their needs; or Advice NI (0800 915 4604 or www.adviceni.net/money-talks) or Money Advice Service on (0800 138 7777 or www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk), for free independent advice.

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