Coronavirus: Cancellation of North West 200 will cost hospitality trade £12m

Following Monday night’s announcement the News Letter heard from one business that gets a week-long boost from the race each year.

The New York Inn in Portstewart, formerly the York Hotel, is a prime vantage spot as the race passes York Corner.

Accountant at the business Aisha Boreland said: “We’d normally have big crowds in when the North West is on.

“Our top restaurant is for private customers, we usually sell VIP tickets during race week. It can accomodate up to 100 and it’s usually sold out.”

Its eight rooms had also been booked up in advance of race week.

Aisha added: “The last time the race was cancelled was 2001, but we weren’t the owners then, we took over the business five years ago. I’m sure it had a big impact then as well.”

Talking to the News Letter shortly after opening today, Aisha said: “The advice to people not to go to pubs and restaurants is having an impact. We’re usually busy on St Patrick’s Day but it’s very quiet though it’s still early.

“We don’t know what today or the next day is going to bring.

“I’m aware of some businesses that have closed already for the foreseeable future, some may have to close entirely I would guess.

“To sustain a business you need customers.”

Of the race’s cancellation North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said the organisers have the interests of Northern Ireland at heart.

He said: “The announcement by the government to prohibit large gatherings really means that in the interests of public safety it is just not feasible for an event that attracts up to 100,000 visitors and spectators to proceed as planned.

“This is not the first time the event has faced such challenges. During the foot and mouth crisis the race was cancelled and one year a bomb scare seriously disrupted racing.

“The organisers of the race always put NI first and have the interests of Northern Ireland at heart.

“I know this will be a difficult decision but I can only support the Coleraine and District club for showing leadership.

“This will be a blow to the local community.

“In fact the local economy stands to lose £12 million in turnover as a result and this will be impossible to replace.

“I’ve already asked the government to provide rate and VAT relief as well as other measures to help the local economy.”