Statement by Jim Allister MLA:
“I am saddened to hear that the B&Q outlet in Braid Retail Park in Ballymena is set to be closed by the end of 2016.
“My immediate thoughts are with the employees who will be greatly impacted by the loss of this store, and over the next 15 months I hope every effort will be made by B&Q to assist them move forward.
“Big companies leaving Ballymena with the inevitable loss of jobs is not a good news story. There is a big hole to fill, and I hope other retailers will show interest in taking on the site and create new jobs.”
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Deputy Mayor, Cllr Timothy Gaston continued:
“I was absolutely shocked to hear this from a major UK retailer such as B&Q. My heartfelt sympathies are with the employees and their families as they come to terms with the closure in 2016.
“Ballymena is a vibrant town, and one which is open for business. I will play my part to attract new businesses in and I hope a new retailer will come forward to plug this substantial gap.”
