THE closure of Carpetright will be a “big setback” and “a blow to the community” of Drumchapel, local politicians have warned.

It was announced on Thursday the store at Great Western Retail Park is one of 81 underperforming stores in the UK set to be given the axe.

Carpetright described the steps taken as “tough but necessary” as it looks to restore its profitability by launching a company voluntary arrangement.

Wilf Walsh, Carpetright CEO, said: “On April 12, 2018, we announced that we are proposing a CVA which would see us close 81 stores. Unfortunately, this includes the Carpetright Store in Great Western Retail Park in Glasgow and I appreciate that this is disappointing news for both local residents and our colleagues.

“We do have stores within a few miles that will remain open including Pollokshaws and Bishopbriggs and we are confident that we will be able to redeploy the majority of affected colleagues before the closures in September.”

However, Drumchapel politicians have expressed their disappointment at the impending loss of the store and have urged Mr Walsh to reconsider.

Councillor Elspeth Kerr said with more shops on the way for the area, the footfall is bound to increase.

She added: “I am waiting for his response to my request for a meeting to discuss the options to closure due to the impact this will have on all the staff working there and the loss of a great shop within the area. I would like to find out the reasons why this shop in particular was included in the shops that are to close.

“This is a big setback for the people of the local area at a time when employment and amenities are increasing with the opening of Starbucks, McDonald’s and KFC in the retail park and the construction of the Range, a gym and a trampoline centre about to start.”

Councillor Paul Carey said the potential loss of jobs would be a “blow”.

He said: “There are another number of companies about to come into the retail park. I’m convinced more and more companies will relocate to Drumchapel and Anniesland.

“I will work as I have done for the past few years to attract new companies. The amount of companies we have attracted, I’m pretty confident we will continue to build on that success.”

Carol Monaghan MP said the decision was “particularly disheartening” at a time when footfall at the site has already risen.

She said: “The retail park has seen considerable investment and expansion over the last couple of years, with the building of new Starbucks, KFC and McDonald’s units which will have surely led to a considerable increase in footfall, so this news is particularly disheartening.

“I have written to Carpetright CEO Wilf Walsh to ask what arrangements are being made with regard to the hardworking staff at this store who will be affected by this closure, and whether it will be possible to accommodate them at other stores near the city.”