INVERCLYDE Council has vigorously defended itself after being blamed for Marks & Spencer’s decision to leave the shopping centre.

Oak Mall bosses say they are ‘extremely disappointed’ after M&S announced they would be moving to the new retail park in Port Glasgow.

A statement issued on behalf of Oak Mall shopping centre and M&M Property Asset Management LLP laid the blame at the council’s door for allowing the Port retail park to expand.

But planning board chairman Councillor David Wilson said this was done to counteract the impact of the Braehead shopping centre.

The Oak Mall statement said M&S’s move had been ‘facilitated by Inverclyde Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the retail park at Port Glasgow’. 

It added: “Our strong objections to the plans for additional retail premises in the region were ignored, and we are now seeing the result of this on Greenock town centre as a whole.”

The owners say that the current M&S location is not owned by the Oak Mall, adding: “Consequently, their decision to leave had nothing to do with the level of rent charged at Oak Mall.

“However, due to the store’s position within the town centre and the proximity to Oak Mall, the departure will have a negative impact on both.

“The loss of a city institution dating from 1936 is the result of councillors ignoring planning policy and encouraging the development of retail parks rather than supporting town centres.”

The Mall owners also highlighted recent investment in the centre – and say that they are ready to announce the arrival of new tenants.

The statement added: “Despite the tough economic circumstances and over-supply of shop units in the Inverclyde region, the owners of Oak Mall continue to invest in the centre.

“The mall floor has been replaced at a cost of £2m, and, despite the increased competition, lettings have been secured with national retailers such as JD Sports and Greggs. We anticipate being in position to announce other new arrivals in the next few weeks.”

Reacting to the statement, Cllr Wilson, whose planning board gave permission for the £40m Port expansion, said the biggest threat to retailers in Inverclyde has been Braehead.

He said: “The planning board felt that the Port Glasgow retail park was a response. TK Maxx, B&Q, Watt Brothers and Costa Coffee were all attracted by the retail park, and it is doubtful if they would have come to Inverclyde without it.

“Many valuable jobs are also an influential by-product of the councillors’ decision.”

He added: “The retail park is important to Port Glasgow and Inverclyde.”

Mr Wilson said he believed Inverclyde Council’s car parking policy played a major part in M&S announcing it will leave the Oak Mall next year but the claim has been rejected by the council.

The councillor, whose ward includes Port Glasgow, said: “There is a lot of confusion over parking. People keep telling me they don’t understand where they can or can’t park.

“Access to shops is critical. Being able to park is key.”

A council spokesman said its parking policy is designed to encourage more turnover of spaces to bring more visitors to the town centre.

He said: “The Greenock town centre parking scheme has seen several alterations specifically in response to the needs of local business.

“If anyone is approached by people confused about parking, it would be worthwhile highlighting to them that all spaces in council car parks in Greenock are free at weekends.

"The most you’ll pay for a council car park through the week is £1 a day. All other on-street spaces are free of charge. The signage in the street has the details of any time limits.”