Businessman in warning following double blow

Frank McPolin claimed his business was greatly affected by the arrival of a second Tesco store on the outskirts of Banbridge.

He said: “I am disgusted by the council approach. They were warned about the danger to town centre businesses by the arrival of the Tesco store at the Outlet but they didn’t listen or care.

“They don’t care about the town centre. Some of the councillors laughed off our concerns. They have a lot to answer for.

“I feel they caused this and I don’t understand why the public would vote for people who do not know what they’re doing.

“They have no idea how to support local businesses.”

Mr McPolin conceded there were other factors at work, namely the rates being raised.

“It is shocking that they drove the nail into the coffin of my business.”

He said: “It is a combination of things. The rates went up by 30 per cent.

“There is a lack of parking in the town and my car park is always jam-packed full of cars who are not coming into the store. The traffic wardens are chasing people out of town.”