This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8586621.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
100 jobs go as supermarket shuts 100 jobs go as supermarket shuts
(31 minutes later)
A supermarket in Strabane is to close with the loss of more than 100 jobs.A supermarket in Strabane is to close with the loss of more than 100 jobs.
Better Deals on the Melmount Road has been trading for 16 years, but is expected to close by June. Other units at the site are also expected to shut.Better Deals on the Melmount Road has been trading for 16 years, but is expected to close by June. Other units at the site are also expected to shut.
The store's owner Gary McLaughlin blamed tough competition, particularly the Asda store in the town.The store's owner Gary McLaughlin blamed tough competition, particularly the Asda store in the town.
"A lot of people have mortgages and young kids. I don't call my staff 'staff', I call them friends," he said."A lot of people have mortgages and young kids. I don't call my staff 'staff', I call them friends," he said.
"These big supermarkets can come in from England and cut costs."These big supermarkets can come in from England and cut costs.
"In 10 years the only place you'll be able to shop in Derry or Strabane is Asda or Tesco or Sainsbury," he said."In 10 years the only place you'll be able to shop in Derry or Strabane is Asda or Tesco or Sainsbury," he said.
Glyn Roberts of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association said it was "a very sad day."
"The owner of the store refers to the location of the ASDA store in the town as a major reason for the closure of his business, which drew customers away from the town centre," he added.
"There are over a dozen other out of town multiple applications right across Northern Ireland which pose a threat to numerous town centres and businesses like Better Deals who are unable to compete on such an unfair basis.
"We need urgent action by DOE Planning Service to reject these applications and prevent any further retail devastation of our town centres."