Austin's In L'Derry Closes Its Doors

One of the oldest department stores in Co L'Derry has closed it doors.

53 workers at Austin's, which opened in 1830, were told they had lost their jobs on Tuesday.

Sinn Féin Councillor Mickey Cooper said he was "shocked" to hear the news.

He said: "Austin's is the oldest independent departmental store in the world and has graced the Diamond in Derry since 1830 so it is sad that its doors have closed today.

"It is important that the needs of the 53 staff remain a priority and that they get all their entitlements paid in full.

"The famous building that is synonymous with Derry need to remain a viable concern and I hope that the liquidators find a new tenant."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "News that it has ceased trading is a shock to local retailing and our thoughts are with the staff affected by its closure. I will immediately be in contact with all relevant authorities to ensure that the staff are given all the support and help they require as they come to terms with today's news and as they begin the search for new employment.

"A struggling economy will always result in a struggling retail sector. Derry's economy is struggling and the sudden closure of Austins is testament to that.

"The failure of the Executive to properly invest in the West has left a legacy of economic stagnation and the impact of this has been felt by the staff of Austins today. The closure of Austins is sorely symbolic of this failure.

"This shocking news again shows just how important it is to promote and protect our city and town centres as retailing hubs. A thriving centre creates a vibrancy and footfall which in turn attracts more businesses. We should be doing everything in our power to make city centres more attractive to retailers."

(CD)