No empty space to replace Co-op

12.11.40pm GMT Mon 15th Feb 2010

Jo met with the Chief Executive Designate of Milngavie Co-op on Friday to discuss the future of the store, and has said she is hopeful it will not be replaced with an empty lot.

The Milngavie and Bearsden Herald recently announced that the Co-op in Milngavie precinct will close at the end of June. However, Robert Sider, who is soon to become Chief Executive of the store, explained to Jo Swinson the action the Co-op is taking to secure the future of the store. The Co-op is looking for other companies to buy into the store and possibly redevelop it, and it is hoped that the current staff will be kept on.

Commenting, Jo said:

"I had a really useful meeting with Robert Sider, and I was reassured to hear that the Co-op management are working hard to ensure that there will be something in its place at the end of June, albeit not under the Clydebank Co-operative Society brand. I am confident that the managers are doing all they can to ensure that the Co-op is not replaced with an empty lot, and to safeguard the jobs of its employees.

"I fully understand the community's concern at the recent news - the Co-op is much-loved part of Milngavie, and I have been going there since I was a child - however, there are still several months in which to secure a deal. I have offered to help in any way I can, and I hope that any interested retailers will get in touch with the Co-op."