Tesco store to close - Paisley

Mr. Paisley said he had received official notification of the closure.

“I understand these closures are part of 43 closures being announced across the entire UK as a result of profit share loss in the company’s annual returns.

“Ballymena’s large flagship store at Ballykeel is ‘fine’ according to Tesco whom I spoke with this morning. The closure of the express store is a blow to trade in Ballymena town centre which is finding it increasingly difficult to attract new businesses.

“I am calling on civic and business leaders to meet with me and discuss ways to improve the offering that Ballymena can make. Obviously anything that potentially damages the town centre must be avoided and anything that promotes it must be encouraged.

“I understand that the 16 employees in Ballymena will be offered the opportunity to redeploy across the company,” he said.