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The opening of a second-hand shop on Belfast's Shore Road is the result of support from the North Belfast Partnership (NBP) working together with public agencies, the local community and politicians. NBP's input was spearheaded by the European Union's (EU) Urban II programme which it hosts. The Housing Executive (HE) and the Belfast City Council were also iinvolved in ensuring that the project got off the ground by their support for the Lower Belfast Community Council , whose project it is. Urban II funded the fitting out of the shop, which is called Second Time Around. Officially opened on 16 Janauary, the HE provided the premises, a former barber shop. Instead of short-back-and-sides and close shaves in North Belfast, second-hand clothes, electrical goods and furniture will be sold. According to Councillor Ian Crozier, who has strong links with the Lower North Belfast Community Council, the opening of the shop "is a first foray into the social economy" by the community organisation. He added that meeting growing local needs and doing something sustainable influenced the decision to open the shop. With the rising demand for second-hand goods in an area with large numbers of low-paid and migrant workers, a second-hand shop offering a wide variety of goods for sale will be an important amenity, the councillor added. He also referred to the valuable work experience already gained by the shop's volunteer staff, which he believed would eventually prepare them for employment in Belfast's rapidly expanding retail sector. Urban II's programme Manager, Ciaran Shannon, said that Lower North Belfast was improving and that Urban II was delighted to be playing its part.. He presented Catherine Mc Carten, Chairperson of the Community Council with an Urban II plaque, as she carried out the formal task of opening the shop. Ms Mc Carten said "it was an exciting time for the Community Council, adding: "I am proud and pleased about what has been accomplished.." Sean mc Kenna, HE District Manager for North Belfast spoke about the shop being part of the overall regeneration of the area. Belfast's City Council officials working on the Renewing the Routes project which seeks to revive the city's major arterial routes, were also present. Councillor Crozier was joined by Councillor Diana Dodds, indicating a high level of political interest and support for the small but significant project. Strong interest was also shown by the local media, with both the North Belfast News and the Shankill Mirror reporting the opening.
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