We often talk about rural villages on the outskirts of towns as being “quiet”. The adjective is often used with a positive inference – people love to live in quiet areas!
But the residents of the popular commuter town of Gilford are now in dismay with just how quiet their village is becoming.
Their concerns have this week been exacerbated by the announcement that their local Centra store – owned by the Maginn family – will be joining the growing list of businesses that have closed their doors in the last number of years.
The shop situated at 40-44 Mill Street has been under the Maginn family’s management for 38 years, when they bought the store from its previous owners.
Speaking to Armagh I, current owner Nial explained that once upon a time they used to have shopping trolleys available for customers who would frequently have used the store for their full weekly shop.
However, he says as “shopping habits changed” people began to use the store for convenience and “top-up shopping” and the larger multinational supermarkets continued to take over.
The store will regrettably close its doors for the final time this Sunday (May 4) and many in the local community are “devastated” to see it go.
Speaking of the Centra’s planned closure, Gilford Crusaders Football Club described it as “sad news for the entire town.”
They added: “Staff have always been helpful and friendly to all their customers. Also they have always been supportive of our club regularly giving us financial help with their pitch side advertising.
“Again, many thanks for your help over the years and wherever your path takes you the best of luck to Nial and the Maginn family. And also good luck to all the staff finding alternative employment.”
A Maginn’s Centra customer added: “Sad to see. I’d say if rates, rent and electricity wasn’t so expensive there would be more thriving businesses and jobs available.
“I’d love to hear how the council can justify hiking bills up so much helps in any way. Gilford is basically a ghost town and Portadown is starting to look the same.”
Nial explained that certainly within the last year, the town has seen a noticeable decline in trade.
Along the main street shop after shop has their shutters down, windows whitewashed. Several are adorned with ‘To Let’ and ‘For Sale’ signs. Few are open for business.
McConville’s Butchers closed due to retirement in March of this year after 71 years of trade in the town.
Another convenience store, Day-Today ceased trading at their Dunbarton Street site approximately one year ago.
A popular eatery, Pheasant Lodge went on the market in March 2024 – initially listed with an asking price of £150,000, however, today it’s currently listed at £135,000 with CPS Property.
And, famous corner bar, Wee Minnie’s was also closed and redeveloped into apartments several years ago.
The aforementioned make up just a small portion of the businesses that have been and gone in the last number of years.
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