Jobs lost as two Larne businesses close
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Closed - The Highways Hotel.
THE AXE fell on two Larne Businesses this week, with both the Highways Hotel and a local Costcutters store closing for good.
Well-known in Larne, residents were left shocked last Friday, July 23, when the Highways Hotel closed down.
The business had been in liquidation for the past few months, but the sudden move left organisers of planned events forced to make alternative arrangements.
A statement on the website read: "It is with great regret that we must announce that the Highways Hotel has ceased trading and is closed until further notice.
“If you have had any bookings or reservations please complete the form below and a representative will be in touch as soon as possible."
Among the events having to be rescheduled was a summer ball in honour of Graeme Nixon, who drowned in Larne Lough earlier this year.
The ball, which quickly sold out, was due to take place at the Highways Hotel on August 21, but has now been rescheduled for Ballygally Castle Hotel on October 16.
And the Olderfleet Larne Liverpool Football Supporters Club has also had to rearrange an annual dinner, scheduled for August 7. It will now take place in St John's Masonic Club, Mill Brae, Larne.
The hotel is currently on the market.
Larne Mayor, Councillor Andy Wilson said: "The Highways has been a fixture in Larne for many decades.
“I hope someone with a track record of running hotels and with a knowledge of the area will acquire the premises and turn it back into what it once was, a solid hotel."
But in a bad week for Larne a further 40 jobs were lost when a Costcutters store, located on Point Street, also closed on Friday.
Former owner John Murray said the decision to close the store was due to competition from the town's new Asda store, located at Larne Port.
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