NEW PETROL STATION TO PROVIDE 30 JOBS

Barbican SuperValu, a family run business who own the SuperValu store in Rathfriland, will be building the store with the completion date set for later this year.

It will be located on the former Banbridge Coachworks location and work has already started on levelling the site.

"We are planning to open in October of this year although that is not set in stone," said Paul Heenan of Barbican SuperValu.

"On the site there will be a petrol station with a full forecourt, offering five double-sided pumps and a separate area for HGVs and facilities such as public toilets.

"It will be Centra branded and will specialise in the sandwiches, hot food and coffee end of the market.

"When it opens the store will be creating 30 new full time and part time jobs which we believe is very good, especially in the current economic climate."

The news was welcomed by Councillor Jim McElroy who said that the store would provide a valuable boost to the local economy and also convenience for the customer.

"This is fantastic news and I'm pleased to welcome the new jobs that will be created. Given the current unemployment rate new jobs will always be good news," he said.

"It's great to see investment like this coming to the district and that is something that should be supported and encouraged.

"It will be very handy too for local people and for those passing through the district. As far as I am aware there are no petrol stations on that side of the road between Newry and Lisburn so it will be very convenient for everyone," he added.