Menu
07/03/2008
Co Down Towns 'Decimated' If Tesco Proposal Successful
An application by Tesco for a 130,000sq ft store - the largest in Ireland - at The Outlet shopping centre on the outskirts of Banbridge has been opposed by local traders.
Members of Banbridge Traders' Association held a meeting last night with officials from the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) to underline their objection to the proposed Tesco Extra Store.
The Co Down traders last night urged Environment Minister Arlene Foster to suspend any decision on the supermarket's future until the completion of the awaited PPS 5 development plan - designed to regulate development in the area.
Co down butcher Joe Quail - whose family has run a business in Banbridge for over a century - said the plans would "decimate Banbridge town centre".
He said: "If you look just 10 miles away in Lurgan, it has been destroyed by out-of-town shopping."
If the Tesco proposal was successful, NIIRTA claimed, the development would threaten hundreds of small retailers and jobs in Banbridge, Dromore, Rathfriland and Gilford.
Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive said when addressing the meeting: "If successful this Tesco application for the largest ever store on this island will result in the closure of hundreds of local small retailers, loss of jobs and turn Banbridge town centre into a ghost town.
"Effectively a new town centre will be created at The Outlet centre impacting on the local community, economy and environment."
He added: "As this application is an Article 31, the Minister for the Environment has the final say and we are calling for Arlene Foster to support local traders, small businesses and the economy in the Banbridge area and to reject this application.
"This situation demonstrates clearly why we need to see the Draft PPS 5 published as soon as possible to create a level playing field for independent retailers, to protect our town centres and to ensure that consumers can have the choice and variety that local shops can offer.
NIIRTA stressed it was not anti-Tesco but was "completely opposed to their continual applications to locate out of town and the damage that it causes".
(VB/JM)
Members of Banbridge Traders' Association held a meeting last night with officials from the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) to underline their objection to the proposed Tesco Extra Store.
The Co Down traders last night urged Environment Minister Arlene Foster to suspend any decision on the supermarket's future until the completion of the awaited PPS 5 development plan - designed to regulate development in the area.
Co down butcher Joe Quail - whose family has run a business in Banbridge for over a century - said the plans would "decimate Banbridge town centre".
He said: "If you look just 10 miles away in Lurgan, it has been destroyed by out-of-town shopping."
If the Tesco proposal was successful, NIIRTA claimed, the development would threaten hundreds of small retailers and jobs in Banbridge, Dromore, Rathfriland and Gilford.
Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive said when addressing the meeting: "If successful this Tesco application for the largest ever store on this island will result in the closure of hundreds of local small retailers, loss of jobs and turn Banbridge town centre into a ghost town.
"Effectively a new town centre will be created at The Outlet centre impacting on the local community, economy and environment."
He added: "As this application is an Article 31, the Minister for the Environment has the final say and we are calling for Arlene Foster to support local traders, small businesses and the economy in the Banbridge area and to reject this application.
"This situation demonstrates clearly why we need to see the Draft PPS 5 published as soon as possible to create a level playing field for independent retailers, to protect our town centres and to ensure that consumers can have the choice and variety that local shops can offer.
NIIRTA stressed it was not anti-Tesco but was "completely opposed to their continual applications to locate out of town and the damage that it causes".
(VB/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 December 2003
Power cuts blackout parts of NI
Thousands of homes and businesses across Northern Ireland have been hit by a major power shortage. NIE said that both Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations were experiencing operational difficulties and that the problem could last for several hours as generation capacity was severely reduced.
Power cuts blackout parts of NI
Thousands of homes and businesses across Northern Ireland have been hit by a major power shortage. NIE said that both Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations were experiencing operational difficulties and that the problem could last for several hours as generation capacity was severely reduced.
15 November 2004
Conference explores ways of tackling crime
Police officers have joined with members of District Policing Partnerships (DPPs), Community Safety Partnerships and local District Councils in a one-day conference to explore ways of working together to reduce crime in Northern Ireland.
Conference explores ways of tackling crime
Police officers have joined with members of District Policing Partnerships (DPPs), Community Safety Partnerships and local District Councils in a one-day conference to explore ways of working together to reduce crime in Northern Ireland.
18 November 2024
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
09 June 2021
19-Year-Old Dies In Collision In Banbridge
Police have issued an appeal for information following a fatal collision in Banbridge, County Down. A 19-year-old man has died following a single-vehicle crash involving a lorry at Foxleigh Fields. The PSNI are investigating the circumstances of the collision and have issued an appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them.
19-Year-Old Dies In Collision In Banbridge
Police have issued an appeal for information following a fatal collision in Banbridge, County Down. A 19-year-old man has died following a single-vehicle crash involving a lorry at Foxleigh Fields. The PSNI are investigating the circumstances of the collision and have issued an appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them.
16 February 2017
Countryside And Farmers Remain Soft Targets For Criminals - UFU
The countryside and farmers remain soft targets for criminals, according to the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU). The UFU said it will continue to push the police to focus more to tackle the issue following the latest statistics from NFU Mutual.
Countryside And Farmers Remain Soft Targets For Criminals - UFU
The countryside and farmers remain soft targets for criminals, according to the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU). The UFU said it will continue to push the police to focus more to tackle the issue following the latest statistics from NFU Mutual.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
