A much-loved shop in Derry is to close permanently next month after more than 30 years of trading.
The shop, which is currently operating as a Centra on the Culmore Road, has passed ownership at various stages over the years.
It's understood that the current owners, Musgrave, made every effort to keep the shop open.
SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins said she was saddened by the news and that it was "an end of an era".
“The shop in Culmore, now known as Centra Culmore has been trading for well over 30 years now," she added.
It has passed through various owners and franchises and it is very sad to learn that it will finally stop trading in March.
“The store will close on Thursday, March 3.
“Musgrave have offered redundancy or redeployment to other stores to existing staff, one of which has been there 25 years.
“Centra Culmore also houses a post office which will remain open in the short term.
“The post office plays a vital role in the community, and I am hopeful that further negotiations will allow the post office and its services to remain within Culmore for the people of Culmore and surrounding area.
“I am devastated by this news."
She added: “The former manager accommodated the first-ever village Christmas tree switch on and has provided Santa and the electricity costs every year since.
“Centra Culmore also participated as a collection point of toiletries for NHS during lockdown.
“Quite a number of local youth have ’cut their working teeth’ working part-time in this store whilst being at school or university including my daughters.
“This store has been heavily involved within our local community over the years giving a contribution to our local school sports days and the Culmore Community Partnership events.
“It has played such a pivotal role in this community and it will be greatly missed. I convey my best wishes to all the staff for their future."
