QUESTIONS have been raised about the long-term future of Greenock bakery firm Aulds after the retail arm of the business was put into liquidation.

West of Scotland MSP, Neil Bibby, wants a commitment that staff who are being made redundant will receive full benefits and entitlements.

Mr Bibby has written to the liquidators and Aulds' managing director, Alan Marr seeking assurances about the future of the rest of the company, including the Greenock factory.

The Labour MSP said: "This is an extremely anxious time for workers at Aulds who now face an uncertain future.

"I hope that buyers can be found to save jobs and save stores but if that is not possible then every effort should be made to ensure that staff are getting the right support.

"While the food manufacturing and wholesale side of the business is set to continue, this decision will see another iconic chain disappear from the high street.

"It will hit town centres and it will mean redundancies.

"I have requested a meeting with the liquidators to impress upon them the importance of giving certainty to the workforce.

"That means clarity about redundancy pay, holiday pay and pension contributions where redundancies are inevitable and reassurance wherever redundancies can be avoided."

A number of the shops have already closed and nearly 50 people have lost their jobs, including five members of staff from the Princes Street store in Port Glasgow.

The West Blackhall Street shop in Greenock town centre has also shut, with 'To Let' signs in the window.