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08/02/2010
Centra Closure Costs Portadown Jobs
The burden of overheads and running costs - despite the fact that it served 7,500 customers a week - has led to the demise of a Portadown food shop - Centra of West Street.
It has closed with the loss of 18 jobs with the proprietor James Taylor citing high costs as the main reason for the closure after a determined struggle to keep the doors open.
The Portadown Times has reported that Mr Taylor had held meetings with the various agencies in a bid to lessen the overheads and buy time, and last-ditch attempts to save the business have been made.
"We simply couldn't sustain it any longer," said Mr Taylor. "I'm really gutted, but the decision had to be made.
"I have a superb, dedicated staff and the people of Portadown have been fantastic. There's been a great atmosphere about the shop, but despite the fact that we have been so busy, there wasn't enough coming in to keep us viable."
Centra opened two years ago in the former Jeffers' premises, and as well as the merchandise sold by the former owners - like newspapers, stationery and magazines - they increased footfall by adding the popular deli-bar, coffee machine and groceries.
"We kept the atmosphere of the friendly local store," he concluded, noting that it wasn't enough in the end to keep the doors open.
(BMcC/GK)
It has closed with the loss of 18 jobs with the proprietor James Taylor citing high costs as the main reason for the closure after a determined struggle to keep the doors open.
The Portadown Times has reported that Mr Taylor had held meetings with the various agencies in a bid to lessen the overheads and buy time, and last-ditch attempts to save the business have been made.
"We simply couldn't sustain it any longer," said Mr Taylor. "I'm really gutted, but the decision had to be made.
"I have a superb, dedicated staff and the people of Portadown have been fantastic. There's been a great atmosphere about the shop, but despite the fact that we have been so busy, there wasn't enough coming in to keep us viable."
Centra opened two years ago in the former Jeffers' premises, and as well as the merchandise sold by the former owners - like newspapers, stationery and magazines - they increased footfall by adding the popular deli-bar, coffee machine and groceries.
"We kept the atmosphere of the friendly local store," he concluded, noting that it wasn't enough in the end to keep the doors open.
(BMcC/GK)
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Spreading Train Strike Causing Chaos
The continuing strike by Iarnród Éireann train drivers has spread this morning, with services cancelled in many parts of the country. The company has been forced to abandon morning services from Galway, Athlone and Westport to Heuston Station in Dublin leaving commuters stranded and employers struggling with huge absences.
Spreading Train Strike Causing Chaos
The continuing strike by Iarnród Éireann train drivers has spread this morning, with services cancelled in many parts of the country. The company has been forced to abandon morning services from Galway, Athlone and Westport to Heuston Station in Dublin leaving commuters stranded and employers struggling with huge absences.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Very windy with persistent and occasionally heavy rain at first, becoming drier with the wind easing towards midday. Mainly dry with bright spells increasing during the afternoon. Milder than of late. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with clear spells, mainly dry evening becoming windy with rain at times from late evening. Turning drier with clear spells towards morning. Milder than of late. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
