Another well-known name to disappear from Navan's Trimgate Street

Inadequate parking facilities, high rents and VAT rates are making it increasing difficult for small business to survive in Navan, according to independent councillor and Trimgate Street trader, Francis Deane, who is to close his menswear shop after 22 years in the business. The poll-topping Navan councillor in this summer's local elections said business has been dropping in Navan over the past few years and he had lost a lot of customers due to the lack of parking facilities, in particular. "During the local election campaign, I knocked on a lot of doors which were opened by former customers of mine, who all complained of the parking situation in Navan town and told me they couldn't be bothered with the hassle of trying to find parking in Navan," he said. "If the situation is not addressed soon, I fear more businesses will be forced to close, resulting in higher unemployment and a reduction in revenue from rates," he warned. Cllr Deane said that 700 or more new parking spaces were needed in Navan to prevent further job losses. He also blamed unrealistic commercial rents in the town for the difficulties facing local businesses. "Commercial rents are unrealistic. They will have to drop - it is as simple as that. Landlords can no longer bury their heads in the sand. If they do not wake up and smell the coffee, their premises will be lying vacant for long periods. I'd advise all people who are in the process of negotiating tenancy agreements to say a big 'no' to upward rent reviews," said the independent councillor. Cllr Deane also criticised VAT rates as being excessive and pointed out that reducing the rate in Northern Ireland had a beneficial effect on trade there. He recalled that Navan used to be a great business town with marvellous indiginous industries that were a great boost to the local economy. "Times have changed. These factories and manufacturing companies were unable to deal with the onslaught of cheap imported goods. Desperately-needed export income disappeared. Similarly, I have noticed how an influx of cheap clothing imports has had an adverse impact on the drapery trade. We have lost our market for good indiginous products," he said. He went on: "I loved the rag trade. Being gregarious in nature, I've always enjoyed dealing with people. I loved helping people." Cllr Deane said with the closure of his business, he will be able to dedicate more time to his town council and county council duties and said it remained his dream to help Navan become once again the brand name it once was.