25 small shops folded in 2009 alone

Fifteen closed in both Limavady and Strabane during the same year.

Trade Minister Arlene Foster revealed the amount of closures in response to an Assembly Question from Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA Jim Allister.

Whilst outlining the figures - which detail the number of enterprise closures in the local retail sector in 2009 - she pledged her continued support for small shopkeepers.

“My department has made clear its commitment to support the economy. This will benefit business in all sectors. Invest NI works with businesses across the private sector, supporting to people to set up their own business, helping new and existing businesses grow and move into new markets home and abroad, while also being a vital source of advice to all business.

“Across the Executive Departments there are many examples of support for retailers. For example, around 5,000 retail premises benefit by more than £2m via small business rate relief, with proposals afoot to extend this scheme and support an additional 4,000 small retail premises.

“In addition, the Department of Social Development (DSD) is leading in the regeneration of our towns and city centres with a range of initiatives to enhance investment, footfall and the attractiveness and vitality of these commercial hubs.”