'˜Austin's hit by online and out-of-town shopping'

“Austin’s has been a part of Londonderry for generations. The oldest Department store not only in Europe, but in the world, it is a deeply sad day for all of us who enjoyed shopping there.

“It is sad to see such a long-standing fixture of the city centre and the iconic Diamond area of the town go.

“There is no doubt that the shift towards online shopping and out-of-town shopping centres is reshaping the heart of our towns and cities and I want to assure those who have lost their jobs today that I will do everything in my power as an Alderman to help them in any way I can,” she said.