West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Hope that buyer for Woolworths can be found-Sinn Fein

Published: 27 November, 2008

The Sinn Féin Chairperson of Strabane District Council Cllr Jarlath Mc Nulty says that he hopes, even at this late stage, that a buyer can be found for Woolworths so as to safeguard 30 jobs in the border town.

"Woolworths has been a mainstay for the shopping public in Strabane and its hinterland for generations. The mere thought of losing what has become a town centre institution has deeply saddened everyone in the area but people are still hoping that, even that this late stage, the situation can be salvaged and that most importantly the jobs and pension entitlements of the workforce can be saved.

"This is a very distressing time for all Woolworths workers particularly given that this announcement has been make in the run up to Christmas.

"If the Woolworths chain of stores close, the impact will be devastating. Not only will thousands of retail jobs be lost directly, but thousands of other jobs, in terms of workers who manufacture for and supply to the company, will also be lost.

"So during this period of administration, everything possible must be done to find a buyer for the company and given the news that some 'expressions of interest,' have been made to the administrators everyone will be willing a buyer to now step in. ENDS