O'Dowd's ideas blasted as 'daft' and 'out of touch'

The call came last week from Councillor Ward's former party colleague John O'Dowd, who said a deal could be made to keep both sides happy.

But Councillor Ward said the Upper Bann MLAs idea was "daft" and "out of touch with the views of the vast majority of people in the area".

Councillor Ward said, "John's latest position on this matter does however represent a small u-turn as he was previously opposed to Tesco's at the Outlet full stop.

"John has obviously come under pressure to change his stance because of the strength of public opinion on this matter and the fact that he is standing in a Westminster election in May time.

Councillor Ward said another suggestion to extend the Castlewellan Road Tesco store is not a suitable compromise either.

"John keeps promoting the old chestnut that Tesco's on the Castlewellan Road already has planning permission for a significant extension to their site. While that may be the case, to build it there would actually diminish much of the existing car-parking and other space," said Councillor Ward.

"Bridgewater Park is also situated on the main Belfast to Dublin economic corridor, which would attract a lot of visitors to the area, especially from across the border.

In John's previous election literature he vowed to ensure that Banbridge benefited from it's strategic location on the main Belfast to Dublin Economic corridor.

"John has now gone back on this promise and has set his face against a development at that "strategic location" that would mean million's to the Banbridge area in terms of jobs, investment and rates revenue."

Mr O'Dowd said he did not wish to comment on the matter.