ANOTHER long-established Greenock town centre shop is closing down as concerns grow that the high street is ‘dying on its feet’.

Robertson The Coat Company, which has had premises in the town for many years, is preparing to pull the shutters down for the final time.

The shop is the latest in a long line of closures to hit West Blackhall Street.

Twist cocktail bar and restaurant suddenly closed its doors this week and the Celtic shop closed last month.

Linda Scott, president of the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, says the closures are ‘troubling’ and has vowed to try and help turn things around.

Mrs Scott said: “It is always concerning when you see retailers move out of town or close their business, in many cases due to falling footfall as more people turn to online shopping, coupled with the popularity of larger out of town retail parks.

“At Inverclyde Chamber, we will continue our efforts to promote the area as a first-class choice for business, to help bring employment opportunities and boost the local economy.

“Many good businesses continue to operate along West Blackhall Street, nevertheless the closures are troubling.

“We will talk with our partners across Inverclyde to determine what measures are being put in place to ensure the future of what has been a central shopping location for the region for over 100 years.” 

One Greenock shopper told the Tele he feels West Blackhall Street is becoming like a ‘ghost town’.

He said: “It’s is dying on its feet.

“There’s been so many shop closures, Poundstretchers is still lying empty and Burger King is closing down.”

Last year, six people lost their jobs when long-established Greenock insurance shop Swinton closed its doors.

Other empty premises in West Blackhall Street include the former Peacocks store, Emporium Outlet and the Aerobikes Cycle Company.

The Tele contacted Robertson The Coat Company for a comment but no one had responded as we went to press.