'We are NOT against Tesco' - Chamber

He was speaking after the issue was raised again last week at a Moyle Council meeting when Independent councillor Seamus Blaney made a bid for the Council to support the current plans for a site outside the town centre at Leyland Road.

Recently a majority of councillors voted not to support the Tesco plan at Leyland Road but other councillors are keen to see the multi-national set up in the town, whether the location is in the town centre or at Leyland Road.

Sinn Fein and the SDLP already voted against supporting the Leyland Road site and Cllr Blaney said both parties have been getting a hot reception on the doorsteps over the issue and he is predicting a U-turn at a future Council meeting.

Meanwhile, Paul Cochrane said it is important for traders in Ballycastle to tell people they are not against Tesco coming to a central location with an appropriately sized store.

He said: "We had a very poor news item about Tesco this week. It is very important that 'WE' as a chamber keep reminding our customers at every chance, that Chamber supports any multi national coming to our town.

"Chamber's only problem with the Tesco plan is the size and location. We have constantly promoted a town centre location, recently showing our plan to the Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, and also providing Tesco with plans for a town centre shopping centre at the last meeting we had with them.