A FORMER supermarket in Crossmaglen has been bought and will reopen in the New Year, bringing with it 30 new jobs.
The old SuperValu and Quinn’s Superstore site has been purchased by the Casey family and is to be reopened as a supermarket at some point next year.
It was closed in June last year after the company went into administration, with the loss of 29 part-time and full-time jobs.
Staff turning up to work were met with security personnel, who told them that the company had closed with immediate effect. Doors and windows were boarded up and rubbish allowed to gather.
Members of the Crossmaglen Area Safety Group, along with Sinn Fein Councillor Terry Hearty, organised a clean-up at the site earlier this year and, while rubbish was removed, boarded-up doors and windows remained, as did graffiti.
But the site was being cleaned over the weekend in anticipation of a reopening in the coming months.
Mr Hearty said he was delighted.
“I want to congratulate the Casey family and thank them for investing in the area and creating jobs,” he said. “This complex should employ over 30 people and the Casey family already employ around 30 people in South Armagh and this really highlights their commitment to the area.
“These jobs are badly needed and could not come at a better time, as more and more of our young people turn to emigration due to lack of work.”
