Downpatrick: Asda plans temporary store after flood damage

There are plans to build a temporary store in the Downe Retail Park's car park

A temporary Asda store could be opened in Downpatrick, County Down, as the supermarket's current premises has been irreparably damaged by floodwater.

There was serious flooding in the town last month, damaging many shops.

Asda has submitted an application to build the temporary shop on part of the carpark next to the existing store.

The application suggested it will need the temporary building for up to three years.

In its application it says: "The Asda Superstore was subject to substantial damage resulting in structural issues which was deemed a hazard to human health and safety.

"Following a detailed assessment of the damage, it has been concluded that the existing store needs to be permanently closed and replaced with a new building."

Photographs submitted as part of the application show deep cracks running through the building.

The planning permission says the current Asda store needs to be replaced with a new building

More than 150 jobs at the supermarket chain were at risk but those workers have been redeployed.

The temporary store would mean the number of car parking spaces at Ballydugan retail park being cut from 452 to 349.

The application said that consideration had been taken for the chosen position of the temporary store to make sure it lies outside the floodplain.