As planning approval for a proposed new supermarket in Antrim is granted, traders in Co Down are gearing up for a campaign to stymie a fresh plan for a new Tesco, just outside Banbridge.

Giving the 'green light' for a new Asda project in Antrim, Stormont Minister Wilson said: "The granting of this application will, I believe, benefit the economy, creating much needed work in the construction and retail sectors at a time of economic downturn."

The new Asda will be situated at the Junction One retail development on the outskirts of Antrim and will include a restaurant and parking for over 600 cars.

The Minister said: "I have given full consideration to all issues relating to this application and to all the representations my Department has received on this matter.

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"Having weighed up all the arguments that have been made to the Planning Service, I believe the new store is unlikely to have adverse impact on the town centre's viability.

"Nor do I foresee any unreasonable or detrimental impact on traffic movement or road safety," he said.

The Minister was speaking just days after business organisations and Banbridge Chamber of Commerce joined forces to launch their 'Save Banbridge Town Centre' campaign.

The Ulster Chemists' Association, the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association and the Federation of Small Businesses have also joined the local chamber of trade to call for a plan to ensure businesses in the town survive.

The campaign has been launched in response to confirmation developers are to appeal last year's DoE planning decision turning down a huge Tesco hypermarket application - which would be the largest store on the island of Ireland and one of the biggest in the UK.

If the decision is overturned, the out-of-town development would cover 130,000 square feet, and local traders fear it would decimate business in the town centre. June 29 has been set for the Planning Appeals Commission hearing.

See: Tesco's Banbridge Plans Get Axed

(BMcC/JM)