LABOUR MP’S AND MSP’S URGE ACTION NOT WORDS ON CO-OP CLOSURE

Paisley’s Labour MPs and MSPs have united in urging “Action not Words” to save the CO-op Supermarket in the West End of Paisley. The store in Wellmeadow Street which has served the town for 30 years, is due to close on November 28. Three full time and 15 part-time staff work at the store.

The SNP led Renfrewshire Council has declared the decision “disappointing” and spoken about an ongoing regeneration strategy that focussed on housing environmental improvements and community safety.

Wendy Alexander MSP said: The council needs to step up the pace on the West End. There should be an emergency meeting of the group looking at the West End – not waiting until the New Year. The loss of the Co-op should mean quick action by the Council to meet with all national supermarket chains to help identify a new operator. In the case of Linwood Town Centre I made direct contact with supermarket bosses trying to get them interested in the site. We need the same type of quick response from the Council for the West End. 

MP Douglas said: “This announcement is a hammer blow for the West End. The SNP Council leadership must do more than simply offer sympathy. They must act. The Economic Development team at the Council should be talking to the Co-op management and to other potential owners to now safeguard the future of the store.

Hugh Henry MSP said: “The Council needs to work with the Co-op to come up with an alternative. The Co-op has shown its commitment to Paisley by opening two new stores. The Council needs to show the same commitment to the people living in the West End of Paisley.”