PEOPLE in a deprived Glasgow community spend more time and money on their annual Christmas shop because there is no major food retailer in the community, a report has found.

Castlemilk Community and Business Association (CCBA) say it could cost residents up to £12.69 more to do a festive shop compared to the rest of the Glasgow South constituency.

The report claims Christmas shoppers are put at an “economic disadvantage” because of travel costs and lack of public transport.

A typical festive shop the report found, also takes people 38 minutes longer.

CCBA members say current shopping facilities do not meet the needs of the community us in desperate need of a food retailer

Maureen Cope, chairwoman of CCBA said: “We need a 21st century shopping centre.

“We’re not looking for anything like Silverburn but we need something that will meet the needs and aspirations of this growing community.

“A lot of people in the community, past and present, have fought for such facilities.

“We’re lucky for what we’ve got here, but we need to finish the job and get a food retailer and reasonably-sized shopping centre. It needs to be something that brings people in.”

The report, community figures say, fuels demands for a food retailer to move into the area as the existing Braes shopping centre no longer has one.

Residents also spend more time and money (£12.69) travelling to their nearest major or discount supermarket.

It found cost, travel time and access to fresh produce to ensure a healthy, balanced diet should be a priority for the “multiple deprivation” area.

Stewart McDonald MP for Glasgow South said: “This report shows that people in Castlemilk, and its surrounding areas, face extra costs as a result of having no major supermarket, which will be of particular concern to many in the lead up to Christmas.

“Together with my colleagues on Glasgow City Council we are seeking discussions with major businesses in the hope that they will consider investing in this area of the city, which would provide vital services and job opportunities for the local people.

“I am very supportive of the aims of the Castlemilk Community and Business Association to secure a supermarket into this area of my constituency which currently does not have any.”