A garden centre in Northern Ireland has vowed to reopen in April “regardless of decisions that come from Stormont”.
The Garden Depot in Strabane was forced to close its doors because garden centres aren’t classed as an essential retailer under Northern Ireland restrictions.
The current regulations, in place until April 1, will be reviewed on March 18 but The Garden Depot owner John McGuinness is determined to reopen on April 5 whatever the Northern Ireland Executive’s next move.
Writing on the centre’s Facebook page Mr McGuinness said: “We are sick of having no answers, no help and I won’t let my business go under. We were all promised financial help from government and since November we haven’t seen anything.
“Our Garden Depot must remain closed yet it is ok for Asda, Home Bargains, builders merchants and other retail outlets to sell garden compost, plants and everything that our Garden Depot has available.
“Unacceptable actions from our government, all their promises about looking after local businesses and keeping traders open. Our town is a ghost town. I feel for any business owner that may not see the light but I won’t let that happen! Come April 5th we will be fully stocked and open ready for trading.”