By Lucy Ashton
Jackie Baillie fears local jobs could be on the line at newsagent McColl’s as it emerged the company is on the brink of administration.
The retailer has three stores in Dumbarton, one in Alexandria and two in Helensburgh providing a lifeline service to residents as well as employing local people.
It emerged earlier this week that the company was seeking emergency funding to prevent a collapse.
Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton constituency MSP, pictured right, said: “It is concerning to hear that McColl’s is in such a challenging financial position.
“I am particularly worried about the consequences of closure on hard-working staff who could very suddenly be left without an income while we are facing a cost of living crisis.
“We all know that the Covid pandemic has put pressure on local businesses and has also changed our shopping habits.
“Newsagents like McColl’s were there for people when severe restrictions were imposed and I hope they can continue despite these pressures.”
This is yet another blow for the newspaper industry, and in Helensburgh the local newspaper industry in particular.
McColl’s have two shops in the town, one in West Princes Street in particular, which sell a large part of the Helensburgh Advertiser’s total sales in the town.
