Jackie Baillie trying to speed up supermarket swap.
By Democrat reporter
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Helensburgh and Lomond, has raised concerns that local residents will be left without access to a supermarket for a few months as Waitrose hands over the store to Morrison’s.
It is understood that Waitrose will officially hand over the store to Morrison’s on 1 June. Waitrose closed its door to customers at Colgrain on 3 May.
The company will now spend a month removing fixtures and fittings from the store and Morrison’s will be given access to the site from 1 June. Morrison’s will then need to fit out the store before opening to its doors to the public.
Jackie Baillie had previously called on both supermarkets to work together to ensure that local people are not left without access to necessary provisions for as little time as possible, given the current crisis. She has now called on Morrison’s to work as quickly as it can to refit and reopen the store in order to ensure that local people are supported.
Jackie Baillie has also asked Morrison’s to ensure that delivery slots are reserved for the most vulnerable in the local community immediately to ensure that those who are unable to travel have access to what they need.
Jackie Baillie MSP said: “I am disappointed that, given the extraordinary circumstances that we are currently living in, Waitrose will now take a month to empty their Helensburgh store of products and fittings.
“This will significantly prolong the time that local residents will be without easy access to a supermarket.
“I am now urging Morrison’s to be as efficient as possible when it comes to refitting the store. The need for access to essential goods has never been so vital. Morrison’s has a duty of care to ensure that their customers are supported during this crisis and I hope that they take my suggestions on board – open quickly and in the meantime provide immediate delivery slots for those who need them the most.”