Larne job losses 'could have been avoided'
THE decision to grant planning permission for an out of town supermarket in Larne has closed one business and placed more under pressure, it was claimed yesterday.
Both the local council and the planning authorities came under fire as the loss of 40 jobs in a convenience store in the town centre was described as “avoidable”.
John Murray, owner of Linn Stores, which traded under the Costcutter brand, announced on Thursday that he was unable to keep the business going, particularly since the opening in June of an Asda store on the town’s harbour estate.
However, a spokesman for the UK retail chain said it was “disingenuous” to suggest that Asda’s arrival in Larne was the sole reason Costcutter had closed down.
“We’re proud of the 200 new jobs we’ve created and the thousands of pounds we’re saving local people each week on the cost of their groceries,” he said.
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) yesterday described the closure of one of its member’s stores in Larne as “appalling” and criticised the planning authorities for backing the application in the first place.
“I am absolutely appalled that this small business, that contributed so much to Larne town centre and which also hosted a counter for a local butcher, has had to close because of a bad planning decision,” said NIIRTA chief executive Glyn Roberts.
“If we had a fair planning system which supports town centres then these 40 jobs would not have been lost.”
Mr Murray said the local council had also played a part as a result of its backing for the Asda proposal.
“I feel particularly let down by Larne Council, which supported the Asda application. It seems it cares more for the multinationals than their own local independent retailers and Larne town centre,” he said.
“Local traders warned Larne Council – which strongly supported the Asda application – and the Planning Service that this store would take shoppers away from Larne town centre and, since the opening of the store in June, that is exactly what has happened.
“I am devastated to have to lay off all 40 of my staff but, since June, my shop has seen a dramatic loss of customers and I was left with little choice.”
David Hunter, a local businessman and spokesperson for Larne Traders’ Association, warned that Mr Murray’s experience might not be the last.
“The loss of 40 jobs is a big blow for a small town such as Larne and I understand that several other independent retailers in the town are also facing similar pressure,” he said.
Stating that the firm had been “overwhelmed” by the response from local people, the Asda spokesman said the Larne store was no different to any other store.
“Our aim is to always offer customers a broad range of great quality products, all under one roof, at low prices.”
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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