30 jobs to go at SuperValu store

30 people were employed at the supermarket in Kilkeel

The owner of SuperValu in Kilkeel has decided to close the store with the loss of 30 jobs.

Staff were notified on Friday and the supermarket plans to close on Saturday 31 January.

The owner, Joe Lenny, said "every effort would be made to assist staff in relocation to other employment".

"I am currently working with the staff in the store to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for them," said Mr Lenny.

DUP MLA for South Down Jim Wells said the staff would find it difficult to find other employment in Kilkeel.

"The old mainstays of the town like fishing, quarrying and the aircraft factory have been shedding jobs this last month," he said.

"I understand there was a record amount of people signing on for unemployment today at the social security office in the town.

"It is absolutely bleak."