Ballymoney becoming a commuter town?

The issue was raised during a recent Development Committee meeting after news was revealed that Henderson Food Service was being relocation from Finvoy Road in Ballymoney to Mallusk.

Cllr John Finlay said: “I would like to express my great sadness for the whole community at the loss of the Ballymoney Henderson Food plant.

“Thankfully people’s job are sound, however the loss of another business from the town still concerns me. If this keeps going the borough will be nothing more than a commuter town where people simply pass through.

“I propose that the Development Committee hold a meeting with Ms Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment. We should ask her to come to Council and help us. I know Council can’t do anything with this case in particular but I feel we need to express our concern and sadness at the news and try to find a way to keep businesses here.”

Cllr Evelyne Robinson agreed with Cllr Finlay stating: “I too deeply regret this news. I understand that people are keeping their jobs however they will have to travel to Mallusk. It will also result in another vacant property sitting dormant, which doesn’t look good for the town.”

Cllr James Simpson also reiterated these fears explaining: “It’s a sad loss. The situation in Ballymoney is getting quite serious.

“We’re losing more and more businesses and jobs from the area. Something needs to be done and soon.”

Cllr Ian Stevenson and Alderman Frank Campbell also supported councillors comments.

Alderman Campbell added that he was ‘delighted that Hendersons were doing so well’ however regretted the relocation.

He concluded: “I think we should write to the Minster and express our concern.”

Last month Henderson Food Service announced an investment of 14m in a new warehousing and office accommodation on a 23.5 acre site at Mallusk. The move was in response to sales growth of 30% since 2007 and the company’s ongoing expansion with warehousing and distribution services being centralized.