A CLYDEBANK newsagent has closed its doors after almost 40 years’ trading.

Just months after its bid to overturn an alcohol licence refusal was blocked, RS McColl On Sylvania Way has ceased trading after 36 years at the site.

As the Post exclusively revealed in August, the firm said it had "explored" all options but was not able to renew its lease.

The shop had tried to diversify in order to offer customers a “larger range of products” by applying for the licence, however, West Dunbartonshire Council’s licensing committee refused the request in June last year – despite an adjacent store being granted a licence that same day.

The firm took their case to the courts but Sheriff Principal Duncan Murray upheld the refusal, despite admitting the board had no evidence for the health effect of the availability of alcohol, which was its initial cause for refusal.

A McColl’s Retail Group spokeswoman told the Post: “Having explored all options, regretfully we have taken the difficult decision not to renew the lease at the McColl’s store on Sylvania Way in Clydebank.

“The store’s last day of trading will be October 20.

“We are saddened to no longer be operating the store and our priority has been to support all affected colleagues.”

The Post understands four of the shop's five staff members have been relocated to other stores throughout Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire.

Pick up Wednesday's Clydebank Post for more on the store's closure.