other traders and residents would be huge. The row of shops, owned by Lord Eames, is up for sale and the shop owners’ bid to purchase them has not yet been accepted.
Naomi Long said: “I, along with other local residents, am extremely concerned by the prospect of these shops being sold, potentially for redevelopment. They are at the heart of Ballyhackamore village and are the centre of the shopping area, providing not just convenience, but quality personal service to local people. Their closure would not just result
in the owners potentially losing their livelihoods, but would lead to the
loss of over 40 jobs and would undoubtedly have a knock-on effect on other
local business in the area.
“Today’s protest, which was attended by around 100 people, shows the strength of local support that exists for the shopkeepers. Whilst the site has a financial value to the owner, today shows the real value of these shops as the heart of the local community. I hope that a satisfactory agreement can be reached so that these shops can remain open.”
ENDS