A SHOPPING centre has gone into administration as it enters its busiest period of the year.

The Oak Mall Shopping Centre in Greenock, Inverclyde, has been placed in administration due to a "refinancing agreement", according to a statement released yesterday.

However, mall boss Claire Jefcoate insists it is business as usual at the beleaguered centre as the Christmas shopping period nears.

She said: "It's just due to refinancing.

"This is a very vibrant and busy shopping centre.

"There could possibly be a change of ownership in the coming months."

When pressed on whether she could guarantee the centre would remain open, Ms Jefcoate said: "No, because nobody can say that.

"There have been other centres that have gone into administration and come out of it.

"That's what we foresee happening here."