AM'S CONCERN OVER LOCAL STORE CLOSURES

NATIONAL Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, has today tabled written questions to the Welsh Assembly Economy Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, to express concern over the closure of Woolworths' stores, which has affected a number of towns across Monmouthshire.

Earlier this month Woolworths' last 200 stores closed their doors for good, leaving more than 27,000 people unemployed.

Nick has been contacted by a number of concerned constituents who have seen their local Woolworths close, including stores in Abergavenny, Chepstow and Monmouth.

Speaking today Nick said: "Woolworths has had a presence on our high streets for around 100 years now and it is incredibly sad to see these much-loved stores close.

"I have tabled a number of written questions to the Welsh Assembly Minister for the Economy, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, to gauge how the Assembly Government is dealing with the situation. Clearly a strategy needs to be put in place.

"It is certainly worrying that closures have resulted in job losses and we need to ensure that workers are getting adequate support at this time.

"Woolworths' stores were at prime high street sites and attracted many customers. It is my concern that closures will affect town centres in Monmouthshire and this must be addressed."