SPRINGBURN Shopping Centre has been sold in a £2.3m deal - and the new owners say they have employed a specialist contractor to tackle a drug dealing problem in the popular precinct.

Property investment company Panther Securities snapped up the North Glasgow shopping centre which is home to popular retailers including B&M, Greggs, Subway and Farmfoods.

The centre opened in 1981 and was previously owned by Globe Trading.

The Evening Times, however, previously reported that the shopping centre on Springburn Way has become a hot spot for drug users and their dealers, according to residents in the area.

Last year, the community council wrote a letter to the previous centre bosses calling for action.

They said that shoppers were avoiding the centre because of drug use in the area and disorderly behaviour. They also hit out at the security guards for not taking action.

The new owners, however, have confirmed that they have employed a specialist contractor to managed the security of the centre.

In addition, Police Scotland officers have been patrolling the area regularly since last year.

The Evening Times understands that Panther Securities also plan to bring in new tenants to the shopping centre, which attracts an estimated 44,000 shoppers per week. The centre currently has 31 businesses and Panther Securities want to take on new tenants.

Richard Swan, of Panther Securities, said: "We are pleased to have secured this shopping centre which represents a useful addition to our portfolio.

"We remain keen to secure other strong income-generating neighbourhood-style parades and shopping centres where we can maintain or build on our returns."

Community activist Olivia Brooks welcomed the news.

She said: "I think it is amazing news if the new owners do what they are promising.

"If it attracts investment, new tenants and anything good for Springburn then obviously it is a good thing."