THE closure of a major high street chain in Clydebank has sparked fears for the Glasgow City Centre branch.

The end of Dunnes Stores in Clyde Shopping Centre has been labelled a “big loss” for the town.

The long-standing shop closed its Clydebank store on September 30 and the closure of its Sauchiehall Street branch is rumoured to follow on October 14.

The future of both stores’ 40 staff remains uncertain.

Nationally, both Northern Ireland’s Portadown and Bangor stores have also closed as well as further rumours of the closure of a branch in Clonmel, Republic of Ireland.

Clydebank’s MSP Gil Paterson said: “I am very saddened that Dunnes has closed. It has been a significant part of Clydebank’s retailing experience, and I believe it occupied the largest unit in the centre.

Glasgow Times:
Dunnes Stores in Glasgow

“My thoughts are especially with the staff who have found themselves out of a job. I hope this transition goes as smoothly as possible for them.

“However, with the closing of Dunnes, there does come an opening for new employers to scope out what is an ideal place to do business in Clydebank, and that may also include excellent employment opportunities.”

Despite the MSP’s optimism, the store’s neighbouring unit – once occupied by BHS – has laid empty since its closure one year ago. Our sister title the Clydebank Post reports there are now eight empty units in the centre.

Councillor John Mooney said: “Since the council owns nearly 20 per cent of the centre, our revenue will also be reduced. A significant part of the problem, is the high level of business rates for larger units.

“As convener of the audit and performance review committee, I have arranged to meet the cabinet secretary for finance and communities to discuss the Barclay Review on non-domestic rates.

“I think that councils should have the power to lower rates to boost the local economy.”

While Bailie Denis Agnew added: “Any business closing in Clydebank is a big loss.

Glasgow Times:
The Clydebank branch

“It’s a concern for me how we’re going to replace it. The shopping centre themselves, I’m sure, will be doing everything they can to attract new business.

“With any place closing down, people will miss it, but my main concern is for those who have lost their jobs.”

Clydebank shoppers have also expressed fears over the shopping centre’s future.

Alexander King, from Parkhall, told the Post: “When I was young, these stores were staples of the high street and now they’re all gone.

“It feels like the shopping centre has nothing left.”

While 50-year-old Jim Phillips, from Drumchapel, added: “If the shopping centre doesn’t do something soon then it’s going to lose all its customers.

“I travel here for the shops but eventually it’s going to get to the point where I go to town or Braehead because there’s nothing left.”

Dunnes was listed as a “principal occupier” of the shopping centre when the council pitched the Play Drome land for sale last year, which also claimed, “Clydebank is firmly established in the top 20 shopping centres in Scotland”.