THE closure of major high street chain Dunnes Stores in Clyde Shopping Centre has been labelled a “big loss” for Clydebank.

The long-standing shop closed its Clydebank store on September 30 and the closure of its Sauchiehall Street branch is rumoured to follow on October 14.

The future of both stores’ 40 staff remains uncertain.

Nationally, both Northern Ireland’s Portadown and Bangor stores have also closed as well as further rumours of the closure of a branch in Clonmel, Republic of Ireland.

Clydebank’s MSP Gil Paterson said: “I am very saddened that Dunnes has closed. It has been a significant part of Clydebank’s retailing experience, and I believe it occupied the largest unit in the centre.

“My thoughts are especially with the staff who have found themselves out of a job. I hope this transition goes as smoothly as possible for them.

“However, with the closing of Dunnes, there does come an opening for new employers to scope out what is an ideal place to do business in Clydebank, and that may also include excellent employment opportunities.”

Despite the MSP’s optimism, the store’s neighbouring unit – once occupied by BHS – has laid empty since its closure one year ago. The Post understand there are now eight empty units in the centre.

Councillor John Mooney said: “Since the council owns nearly 20 per cent of the centre, our revenue will also be reduced. A significant part of the problem, is the high level of business rates for larger units.

“As convener of the audit and performance review committee, I have arranged to meet the cabinet secretary for finance and communities to discuss the Barclay Review on non-domestic rates.

“I think that councils should have the power to lower rates to boost the local economy.”

While Bailie Denis Agnew added: “Any business closing in Clydebank is a big loss.

“It’s a concern for me how we’re going to replace it. The shopping centre themselves, I’m sure, will be doing everything they can to attract new business.

“With any place closing down, people will miss it, but my main concern is for those who have lost their jobs.”

Clydebank shoppers have also expressed fears over the shopping centre’s future.

Alexander King, from Parkhall, told the Post: “When I was young, these stores were staples of the high street and now they’re all gone.

“It feels like the shopping centre has nothing left.”

While 50-year-old Jim Phillips, from Drumchapel, added: “If the shopping centre doesn’t do something soon then it’s going to lose all its customers.

“I travel here for the shops but eventually it’s going to get to the point where I go to town or Braehead because there’s nothing left.”

Dunnes was listed as a “principal occupier” of the shopping centre when the council pitched the Play Drome land for sale last year, which also claimed, “Clydebank is firmly established in the top 20 shopping centres in Scotland”.

But in June councillors were forced to come out behind the centre amid fears the impending Yoker to Renfrew bridge would drive away its customers.

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, told the Post: “It is always regrettable when businesses have to take the hard decision to close their doors – particularly those that have been established for many years.

“The ongoing challenges and pressures on the high street have been well covered and unfortunately the retail sector is highly competitive and therefore can operate to tight margins.”

“In contrast there has been much more positive news about Nando’s, Iceland’s Food Warehouse and Tony Macaroni being added to the mix which will help build Clydebank as a retail and leisure location and I am also aware of at least two other smaller retailers that have started trading in the area this year.”

Dunnes Stores did not respond to requests for comment by the Post.

However, a spokeswoman for Clyde Shopping Centre said: “Clyde Shopping Centre is sorry that Dunnes have decided to close their store in Clydebank as well as Glasgow City Centre.

“Dunnes have a long lease of the store and we have not yet been told of what their plans are for the property going forwards.

“We hope that an exciting new use for the store will be found to build on the successes of the last two years when lettings were secured. These lettings are in addition to a number of lettings to independent retailers and lease renewals being agreed with 12 long term occupiers of the centre.

“The footfall year on year remains strong at the centre trending ahead of the national average and tenants continue to trade well.”