Opponents of an 'out of town' Tesco development near Ballyclare have raised their concerns with local MEP Jim Nicholson.

Several incensed traders met with Mr Nicholson to discuss the proposals for the store, planned for the current FG Wilson site at Hillhead Road.

Tesco has billed the development as a major investment in the area, creating around 250 new jobs and offering additional parking space and retail choice.

However, independent businesses have warned the 'out of town' store will make the Ballyclare high street a virtual retail 'ghost town'.

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The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) held talks between traders and Mr Nicholson earlier this month.

NIIRTA member Niall McConkey said: "We expressed our complete opposition to the proposed application for the Tesco store which will draw away trade from the town centre which would result in Ballyclare becoming a retail ghost town.

"Local traders are not afraid of genuine competition, but when Tesco seek to locate out of town with free car parking, there is no way that any independent retailers could possibly compete," he added.

NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts was at the meeting.

He said: "We appreciate the support of Jim Nicholson and extend an open invite to any political representative to visit Ballyclare and to meet with the traders.

"As Newtownabbey Borough Council have already heard from Tesco we would call upon them to urgently facilitate a presentation from the traders in Ballyclare to hear their concerns about this application."

(PR/JM)