Support Local

Stay Local, Eat Local, AND Shop Safe 

Ards and North Down Borough Council in collaboration with the town chambers of commerce for Bangor, Comber, Donaghadee, Holywood and Newtownards has launched their new Support Local campaign. The key message to stay local, eat local, AND shop safe encourages residents to continue to support local businesses.

Photo of Mayor and Chamber of Trade representatives in Conway Square. From left to right are Laura Anne Bailey, Comber Chamber of Trade; Nick Craig, Bangor Chamber of Commerce; Councillor Trevor Cummings, Mayor of Ards and North Down; Denis Waterworth, Donaghadee Community Development Association; Derek Wright, Ards Chamber of Commerce

The borough’s five towns are open for business and focused on safe shopping with social distancing and hygiene measures in place. Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Trevor Cummings, said:

“As we continue with our recovery from Covid-19, it is vitally important – now more than ever – that we support our local businesses. 

“Whatever you’re looking to purchase, before going online, please ask yourself if you could buy it from your local shop first. Each of our town centres offer real value through great products and personal service, as well as enhancing the character of our towns and helping to support local jobs and the economy.

“Throughout the Covid crisis, our local retailers and businesses have gone above and beyond to support our residents and communities in their time of need. Now it’s our turn to reciprocate that support".

The Council is committed to supporting small businesses to adhere to current guidelines to protect staff and patrons have a safe and enjoyable shopping experience. For information visit www.andbusiness.co.uk

For latest Public Health Agency information visit www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus

Our local high streets play a vital role in our community, and now is the time to continue to Stay Local, Eat Local, AND Shop Safe. Discover more about our towns below as you #supportlocalAND

Stay Local, Eat Local, AND Shop Safe in our local towns

Bangor

Bangor is a seaside resort on Belfast’s doorstep. It has previously been named the most desirable place to live in Northern Ireland and is easily accessed by train and car.

Bangor is brimming with places to explore; Bangor castle, the Abbey, North Down Museum, Pickie Funpark and a picturesque marina, to name a few. As well as activities, such as karting, sailing and golfing, for those who like the great outdoors.

Follow Bangor's Chamber of Commerce and Main Street My Street on Facebook to stay up to date with what's going on with local businesses and retailers in the town.

Find out more about beautiful Bangor By The Sea  on our website visitardsandnorthdown.com

Comber

Comber is renowned for great coffee, cycling, craft and fine cuisine. The home of great taste, it is famous for its Comber Earlies as well as some fascinating history, including links to the RMS Titanic.

Comber is a market town with many family run businesses. The town holds an award winning Farmers Market on the first Thursday of every month. The market has built up a strong reputation for selling fresh, seasonal, award winning food and plant products. With 26 artisan food stalls regularly taking part, you will certainly want to visit.

Find out more about what's happening in and around Comber on Facebook - visit the LoveLocalComber page.

Locals and visitors can visit the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) at Castle Espie, just three miles south of Comber. This award winning wetland allows visitors to get close to the wild birds while taking in the beautiful scenery. 

Find out more about Comber on our website visitardsandnorthdown.com

Donaghadee

Donaghadee is located at Northern Ireland's closest point to Scotland and on most days the Scottish coast is visible to the naked eye. This little town is a beautiful hub with many shops, restaurants and is reputedly home to the oldest pub in Ireland.

Donaghadee’s iconic lighthouse stands guard on the harbour keeping ships right in times of trouble with its beam and fog horn. Donaghadee was the province’s principal port before Belfast became the major city in the mid 19th Century.

The town has fantastic community spirit and both visitors and locals will receive a warm welcome.  Find out more about what's happening in and around Donaghadee on Facebook - visit the Community Development Association page.

Find out more about Donaghadee on our website visitardsandnorthdown.com

Holywood

Holywood is famous for its maypole in the centre of town. Its origin is uncertain, but according to local folklore, it dates from the 1700s - the maypole is still used for dancing at the annual May Day fair.

Holywood is a great place to eat out and shop, with lots of independent businesses to support. Follow the Holywood Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to keep up to date with news from local businesses and retailers.

For those who love history, on the outskirts of the town you can step back in time and uncover a past way of life at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum which is set to re-open in August 2020 (check website for details).

Find out more about Holywood on our website at visitardsandnorthdown.com

Newtownards

Newtownards, locally known as ‘Ards’, is a large town that lies at the most northern tip of Strangford Lough. The town was established in 1606, later becoming a market town, with the Market House in Conway Square constructed in 1770. The Ards Market still operates today on a weekly basis.

The town of Newtownards is overlooked by Scrabo Tower, which is one of the dominant features of the area. The tower is 41 metres high, and was built in 1857 as a memorial to Charles Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry.

Newtownards continues to be a thriving market town, with lots of independent businesses, retailers and restaurants: all great places to spend time with friends and family. 

The town has an active Chamber of Trade and you can  keep up to date with local businesses by following ShopNewtownards.com on Facebook.

Find out more about Newtownards on our website at visitardsandnorthdown.com

Eat Out to Help Out in Ards and North Down


From 3 to 31 August 2020, get a 50% discount when you eat in at local restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

Use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme at a participating establishment:

  • to get a 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner)
  • every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 3 and 31 August
  • as many times as you like

You do not need a voucher to use this scheme and you can use it at the same time as other offers and discounts. There is no minimum spend.

You cannot claim discount on alcoholic drinks or service charges.

The discount will be automatically available to you at participating establishments. Establishments will then claim a reimbursement from the government for the discount they’ve given you.

All diners in a group of any size can use the discount.

Use this handy tool to find your local Ards and North Down restaurants ��

https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant

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