Published: Wednesday, 13th January, 2010 4:30pm

Athlone 3G store is 'temporarily' closed

Three staff members have been affected by the closure of a 3G Mobile branch at Athlone's Golden Island Shopping Centre.

The mobile phone retailer announced last week that a temporary closure of all of its stores nationwide had commenced.

A spokesperson for the company, Ronan Tynan, told the Westmeath Independent that three staff members were "temporarily let go" from the Athlone store as a result.

He indicated that the closure of the 3G branches was implemented following the breakdown of negotiations with an investor.

On Friday last, Mr Tynan said that talks with an alternative investor were underway and he was hopeful these might lead to the 3G Mobile stores re-opening in the coming weeks.

The 3G Mobile chain operated 27 stores across the country and approximately 150 jobs have been lost while it seeks fresh investment.

Customers with queries relating to 3G Mobile have been advised to contact the company on one of the following numbers: 01 814 2324, 085 205 3108 or 085 205 5093.

The 3 store, which has a branch at the Athlone Towncentre, said it was not connected to the 3G Mobile stores which have closed.

In a statement, 3 said: "While the (3G Mobile) retail chain has sold 3 products in the past the two companies are not connected and the temporary closure of their retail stores does not affect 3Stores nationwide.

"We are owned by Hutchison Whampoa and we are a completely separate company."