Major Banbridge retailer now in administration

Major Banbridge retailer now in administration

Some 80 jobs are in doubt after a leading Banbridge retailer announced two of his grocery businesses are now in administration.

Frank McPolin said his Supervalu store and Post Office had buckled under pressure from a recently opened out-of-town Tesco supermarket and a 30 per cent increase in his rates bill after the recent business rates revaluation.

Mr McPolin, a member of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA), had mounted legal challenges against the Tesco store’s arrival over a period of some seven years with the backing of other local retailers.

Campaigners said the development would turn the town centre into a “ghost town”.

“With the huge out of town Tesco store opening and drawing away trade, and a staggering 30 per cent increase in my rates bill, it has been increasingly difficult for my business to be competitive,” Mr McPolin said.

“We warned the Tesco opening would have a detrimental impact on Banbridge Town Centre and sadly this warning has been proven right.”

NIIRTA chief executive Glyn Roberts said it was “sad news” and that the business was a “crucial part” of Banbridge town centre’s retail offer.

“This is a difficult time for him and his staff and we hope for a positive outcome for the business,” Mr Roberts said.

“Frank’s situation proves beyond doubt of the destructive impact out of town superstores have on town centres and independent retailers. The new Town Centre First Planning Policy has come too late for retailers like Frank and we hope his situation is a lesson for all eleven councils to learn.”

The NIIRTA chief also called for a “fundamental and radical reform” of the business rates scheme.

Michael Donaghy, president of Banbridge Chamber of Commerce added: “Our thoughts are with Frank and his staff at this challenging time.”