THE lure of Lanarkshire is expected to result in the launch of three shops in Motherwell town centre as a £450,000 makeover takes place.

Card Land – one of Britain's fastest-growing card retailers – has opened a store in the Brandon Centre, while two other new tenants are expected in the coming weeks.

William Gear, director of Chester Properties which owns and man- ages the shopping hub, said: "We are pleased to welcome a new face to Motherwell in the shape of Card Land."

He said a hat-trick is on the cards by adding: "We are also in negotiations with two more prospective tenants who could add to the retail mix in the centre."

Businessman Jim McAllister, who opened his first Card Land shop in his hometown of Kilmarnock 10 years ago, has recruited four local workers. He now operates a chain of almost 40 outlets and has a 200-strong workforce.

Improvements at the centre will result in the mall's glass dome being illuminated at night.