JTI closure: Area facing new economic challenge - O’Loan

A Ballymena councillor says that the new Mid and East local authority must ‘lead economic development’ in the wake of the JTI closure decision.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th Oct 2014, 18:48 BST

SDLP Councillor Declan O’Loan said: “I am very sorry to hear of the forthcoming closure of the JTI plant in Ballymena as a result of a company decision to transfer production to Poland and Romania. This is a huge blow to the loyal workforce and the local economy.”

“The task now is for all the relevant agencies to work to replace these jobs and over time I believe that this can be done.

“As it happens I heard this news while in Peterborough on a visit by Mid and East Antrim Council. This visit has shown me how a Council can lead economic development and transform the future for its citizens. Peterborough has done this. This must become the central task for our new Council and I believe that it will accept that challenge.”