Tesco representatives have revised plans for a major new superstore in Ballyclare, Co Antrim, after hearing concerns from local residents.

The updated plans, for an 'out of town' Tesco store on the Hillhead Road, were brought before the Council's Planning and Consultation Committee this week.

Tesco representatives had previously given a presentation on their controversial application to a council committee meeting last September. But, returned on Monday night with revised proposals for the store, emphasising that the reviewed plans would have significant benefits for local residents.

Representatives told councillors the new superstore would create up to 250 new jobs, generate a significant investment in Ballyclare, extend and anchor the town centre, and provide two additional retail outlets.

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However, Ballyclare Councillor Paul Girvan said that the proposed location was not, in his opinion, suitable for a number of reasons. His main concern was that residents would no longer use shops in Ballyclare town centre and it would become like a "ghost-town".

"Local retailers and members of Ballyclare Chamber of Trade have major concerns about this application. We only have to look at the way things have gone since Asda opened at the north end of the town last month, and how it has decimated the traffic on Main Street in Ballyclare," he said.

"Last Saturday at 1pm, Ballyclare was like a ghost town. To have another superstore, and out of town shopping at that, as is being proposed here by Tesco, is going to sound the death knell for Ballyclare, just as has happened in Carrickfergus, Antrim and elsewhere."

A Tesco representative said the company would be willing to consider a shuttle bus service from the Hillhead Road site to the town centre, to encourage customers to keep visiting shops there.

Councillor Girvan proposed that both Ballyclare Chamber of Trade and the Town Centre Management Company come together soon to give their views on the current proposals. He said: "The Council should also make a comment to Planning Department on this matter. We should let them know that we are not opposed to Tesco per se, but stress that out of town development such as this is in breach of planning policy."

(VB/JM)