More than 150 jobs are at risk at shops in the Connswater centre and the Cregagh Road in East Belfast and Church Street in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
Tesco chief Dave Lewis said he recognised the move will “affect many hard-working colleagues, our customers and the communities in which these stores are situated”.
East Belfast MP Naomi Long added the “primary concern is for those people who may lose their jobs if they are not redeployed to other Tesco stores”.
She said: “I have been assured the company will attempt to offer them alternative roles and I will remain in contact with Tesco to ensure this happens where possible.
“I am also seeking a meeting with Connswater Shopping Centre management to see about the impact on it.
“The opening of a large Tesco store on the Castlereagh Road in 2012 will have had an effect on the smaller outlets and this is one of the unfortunate outcomes.”
Local MP Ian Paisley said the closure would be a blow to the town centre which is “finding it increasingly difficult to attract new businesses”.
It had planning permission for a 15,000 sq ft supermarket in Carryduff, Co Down, and a bigger store near Armagh city centre.
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 04: Henry Speight of Australia breaks through to score their second try during the rugby union international match between Japan and Australia Wallabies at Nissan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Back in 2012, when Craig Gilroy's unforgettable score against Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-final was followed soon after by the return of Tommy Bowe to his native province, the prevalent opinion became that Ulster held an embarrassment of riches in their outside back division.
With Andrew Trimble a constant for more than a decade, the marquee addition of former All Black Charles Piutau, the emergence of Jacob Stockdale into a record-setting try-scorer and a glut of quality centres, it has felt ever since that, on any given week, an internationally-capped player could find themselves not just outside the starting team but outside the matchday 23.
Homegrown wingers like Mike Allen and Rory Scholes had to go elsewhere in the league simply in search of a game, such was the backlog of talent.
Indeed, while it was never truly substantially backed up, the term 'best backline in Europe' was bandied about on more than one occasion.
These are changed times at the northern province, however. Over the last season alone, they have lost the services of Trimble, Bowe, Piutau, Jared Payne and Stuart Olding from their stockpile of outside backs and, in something of an about turn, were looking short of numbers in the department with the Guinness PRO14 campaign opener against Scarlets less than a month away.
Enter Wallaby Henry Speight, the 30-year-old who will pitch up at Kingspan Stadium later this month on a short-term deal to run until the end of December.
With the back shortage exacerbated by the injuries sustained by Luke Marshall and Louis Ludik at the end of the last campaign, as well as the significant knock shipped by Academy product David Busby in pre-season, the addition of an experienced and international quality wing seems an astute one.
When it's taken into consideration that Stockdale will likely miss the entirety of November on international duty, and be carefully managed either side, the signing becomes a no-brainer.
In something of a rebuilding phase, Ulster have cited the increased trust they will place in their Academy structures to fill voids left in the senior squad moving forward, but this signing shouldn't be considered an indication that the suggestion was merely lip service, not with Iwan Hughes and Robert Baloucoune the only back-three players contracted in the under-age system and both only about to embark on their first full year in the set-up.
Speight is currently a Brumbies team-mate of Christian Leali'ifano, his fellow Australian international who enjoyed a successful stint in Belfast this time last year.
The out-half's stay in the northern hemisphere was short-lived - he departed for home in January and recently signed a new contract in Canberra as he looks to force his way back into the national side ahead of next year's World Cup - but there is little doubting the impact he made on and off the pitch.
And while Ulster were thwarted in their attempts to bring in another experienced out-half to replace him - former All Black Stephen Donald - the influence he'd had on youngster Johnny McPhillips was cited as a big reason in his progression when the former Irish Under-20s man was thrust into the No.10 jersey late on.
Should Speight be able to help the likes of Baloucoune and Hughes in a similar fashion, rather than hinder their development, he could in fact aid it considerably.
If along the way he can replace a little of the excitement on the terraces lost with Piutau's switch to Bristol then all the better.
"I've spoken to Christian (Leali'ifano) a lot regarding this move and he had only great things to say about the staff, players, supporters and wider community, which welcomed him with open arms.
Ulster's Operations Director, Bryn Cunningham, is thrilled to sign a player the province had chased for some time, and himself cited the influence he expects to see on the squad's younger members.
"With the nature of Henry's current contractual position, I would like to thank the Brumbies and the ARU for facilitating getting this deal across the line," he said.
"Henry has X-factor quality and has consistently proven himself as a top performer at both Super Rugby and international level with his most recent displays for the Brumbies being eye-catching. We hope he will quickly become a real fans' favourite at Kingspan Stadium.
"His presence will also support the development of the young back three players within our senior and Academy squads."
With the success of “The Dark Knight” and critical acclaim for Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker, much attention is being paid once again to his tragic death earlier this year.Co-star Aaron Eckhart shared an interesting story on “The Today Show” Monday morning in which he said Heath’s iPod is being passed around from friend to friend as a way to remember him through the music he listened to.It’s an interesting notion. What would people learn about you or remember about you by listening to your iPod?Here’s the full interview:
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation polled their community members about things that annoy people who use wheelchairs. This list is really helpful in understanding life from a different perspective and being more mindful about how we react around people with different abilities and also about respecting their space.
Rob Gerth, Director of Online Communications for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is trying to “raise awareness and help start a conversation” that will inspire all of us to always behave in a compassionate and respectful way. And to cut out any bad behavior, now that you know what it is.
Platinum plated sterling silver ring features the script "Love" in white cubic zirconia stones and measures 17mm in length.
This sterling silver ring features a 0.88 ct. t.w. heart shaped opal and measures 9.7-mm. x 9.9-mm. Almost all gemstones have been treated to enhance their color and require special care.
Go Hoos! This classic check woven shirt is perfect for the spirited fan. Elevated by cozy and comfortable flannel you'll love for chilly game days, it's perfect for your collection.
We take a look at the stunning new Fantasie Amalfi range and explain exactly why it makes the ideal poolside attire!
Fantasie have pulled out all the stops with the gorgeous new Amalfi range. Crafted from soft-handle Italian fabric, with a bright and botanical palm leaf design and an inky blue base, this range offers a modern and contemporary look, perfect for the beach!
The Amalfi swimsuit is the perfect, versatile swimwear piece! With hidden underwiring and no padding, you get a natural uplift and great support without compromising on style or design. It comes with a flattering V neckline giving you a flirty and sexy look, with the low scoop at the back it making it an easy fit. This swimsuit is fully lined for your comfort and oozes high quality. Ruching at the sides flatters your stomach area and built up straps offer the perfect fit. You are sure to feel confident on the beach or by the pool in this beautiful suit!
Having so many styles to choose from in this range, you are able to rock a new look every time you visit the beach! With that said, next up is the Gathered Full Cup Bikini Top! Underwired for the best uplift and comfort, with gathered cups to boast sexy flair, this bikini top flatters all bust shapes. It also has powernet lined wings for support and anchorage, with the fully adjustable straps to offer a unique fit. The plastic clasp fastens at the back, making it ideal for you to slip into, before hitting the pool!
If this bikini top has caught your eye, then you should totally pair it up with the High Rise Bikini Briefs to complete the look! Offering a high rise design, and great rear coverage, this bikini brief provides a comfortable fit, with side panel seams and a deep waistband to flatter your figure. The concealed stitching is clean cut and a offers stitch free look. This piece is also fully lined for your comfort and modesty, so you can feel confident in the water!
If you’re looking for something that’s padded, with more shape to it, then the Lightly Padded Full Cup Bikini Top is definitely for you! Offering extra shape and concealed underwiring for uplift, this is a staple in any swimwear collection. Fixed fully adjustable straps offer a great fit that can be tailored to your own shape and size and smooth, seamless outer cups provide an effortlessly well-rounded look. Fastening at the back with a strengthened plastic clasp to ensure the top stays in place, you are sure to look and feel stunning!
If you’re looking for something with a little less coverage, then both bikini tops look great when paired with the Mid Rise Bikini Brief! Again, fully lined for your comfort and modesty, with a mid-rise design to show off your figure, the Amalfi brief offers medium rear coverage for a comfortable fit and features concealed stitching for a clean and stitch free look to the waist. These elegant bikini briefs are also soft and kind to the skin, so you can hit the pool or beach feeling confident and on trend.
This collection doesn’t stop there! When you want to switch it up even more, there’s the amazing Tankini Top! With adjustable sides to flatter the tummy area, the tankini top features a non-padded design and hidden underwiring for a natural shape and uplift. In addition, the tankini top offers fully adjustable shoulder straps and a full coverage design to provide comfort and modesty whilst looking fantastic! Gathered at the front in the centre, this piece offers a lower neckline, to flatter cleavage and also has an inner hook and eye fastening for better support and control. Compliment your look with one of the fabulous matching bikini briefs!
The Bandeau Twist Bikini Top is underwired to offer excellent support and it is lightly foam padded for a smoother shape. Designed in a popular bandeau style, this bikini top can be worn strapless and it also features a detachable scarf tie, so you can wear it as a halterneck, if desired! In addition, it also has powernet lined wings for superior support and anchorage, with the fully adjustable straps offering a unique and individual fit. Fastening at the back with a plastic clasp, this bikini top also looks great when paired with one of the other matching swimwear pieces from the Amalfi collection.
Fantasie are renowned for creating gorgeous beach cover-ups too, so if you’re looking for something to make a statement, this gorgeous Tunic Dress will surely do just that! With a V shape neckline and finished with cap sleeves for a flattering look, the mid length split side design not only allows ease of movement but is perfect for a stroll down the promenade.
With the Fantasie Amalfi range, you can pick a new look every time you visit the beach! Have you got a vacation planned? Do you have a favorite piece from this stunning new Collection? As these are all in our sale at 20% off, you could even get them all! Let us know your thoughts on this brilliant collection below!
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