CUSTOMERS at a new Port Glasgow retail park store might be able to toast it with a glass of wine in its café – in what would be a first for such a shop in Inverclyde.

Marks and Spencer is making an application to Thursday’s Inverclyde licensing board to be allowed to sell alcohol in its cafe, as well as on the store’s shelves.

Port councillor David Wilson believes it could boost trade.

Mr Wilson said: “If the application is approved by the board, I believe it would be the first time that an Inverclyde department’s store’s café has enabled customers to have a glass of wine with their meal.

“This would be great news for shoppers.

“It would improve their retail experience, and I believe it could bring more people into the store.”

The store is currently being built, and Cllr Wilson said it is likely to be handed over in April to M&S to be fitted out.

He said: “I would expect the new store to be opened to the public around three to four months later, and I am looking forward to it very much.

“It will be a welcome addition to the retail park.”

M&S are locked into a lease for their current Greenock Oak Mall store for another decade, and are looking for tenants to sub-let the space after the move.

The Greenock store opened in December 1936, and all existing workers are being asked to transfer to the new shop, while an unspecified number of new jobs will be created at the café.

Cllr Wilson said the retail park proved too good an attraction for M&S to turn down.

He said: “Parking has become incredibly difficult in Greenock town centre, and I can understand why M&S wanted to move because of the easier access to shops at a retail park.

“My constituents in Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow will welcome the move, as will people who live near Inverclyde and will be more inclined to shop at M&S in the retail park.”