Calls for Marks and Spencer to build a department store at the now-vacant M&Co shop unit in Largs to complement their up and coming Food Hall has been made by local businesses.

It was a sad day in town on Saturday as M&Co closed its doors after many years of trading in the town.

The News understands there is a tug-of-war going on for the vacant premises, and a number of shop businesses in the local area have had their say about what they would like to see come in its place.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Suggi JungnitzSuggi Jungnitz (Image: Newsquest)
Siggi Jungnitz, 66, who runs the award winning Deli il Cardo, is a neighbouring business said: "It is a big loss for the town.

"Shops close on the Main Road but they never seem to be closed longer than a few weeks and another one opens up.

"There are massive amounts of cars that come into town over recent weekends which goes to show you that there is great interest in coming to town."

Siggi added that he was pleased to hear that recent survey that Largs was rated the second best value seaside destination to visit in Scotland - and believes a Marks and Spencer department store for clothing would be ideal for the vacant spot.

He said: "This area is going to be a real focal point of the town as we are going to have Marks and Spencer Foodhall opening later this year at the former Pearson Garage.

"We don't have many clothing stores so there is a real need for it and it would be good to have a Marks and Spencer clothing store here as well as the Food Hall.

"We had one of our best days of the year on Easter Saturday - and the figures have been very good - and it would be good to see M&Co quickly filled next door."

Scott Paton, owner of AD Paton said: "It is a sad sight to see M&Co close.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Scott Paton of AD PatonScott Paton of AD Paton (Image: Newsquest)
"It would be good to see something like a New Look or Primark as we are definitely in need of a new clothes store, and a Marks and Spencer would also be good.

"I think the clothing aspect is very important as that M&Co was one of the busiest in their chain.

"It is reassuring to know that there is interest as a big empty building there for a long period too.

"It is a good sign that for a number of premises which have closed in Largs that they have re-opened a few months later - there are still a few empty premises in the town centre but hopefully they can be filled quickly as there has been some very good footfall in town in recent weekends with cafes full."

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Qully ClarkQully Clark
And former Fiddlers Nightclub owner Quilly Clark also backed a clothing shop coming to fill the vacant premises - and it would keep money in circulation in the town.

He said: "I would never have guessed that a Marks and Spencer Foodhall would have been built at the Fiddlers Nightspot.

"We are missing a clothes shop in the town with the closure of M&Co and we need somewhere to go rather than going to Glasgow for men's clothing - keep the money flowing in the town."

The closure of Hasties - the 'Largs-est department store in the world', which included a menswear clothing department - in 2015 was another loss, while Wilkies in Bath Street is the only other major clothing retailer based in Largs.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Artist impression of new Foodhall in LargsArtist impression of new Foodhall in Largs (Image: Marks and Spencer)

Marks and Spencer have started work on their long awaited Foodhall store in town, which is expected to be opening in December 2023.