STAFF from two local cafes which have closed down due to coronavirus will still be paid.

Local coffee house staff from Fresh have been reassured that they will continue to receive their wages while the business is closed as a result of the outbreak.

Fresh has premises in the Oak Mall shopping centre in Greenock and in Gourock's Kempock Street both both are now shut.

Steven Watson, chief executive officer of social enterprise Stepwell, who own both premises, has vowed to pay staff for the next five weeks while they remain off work during the lockdown.

He said the 'extremely difficult decision' to close the cafe doors was made with 'great sadness'.

But he added that it was essential to follow the UK Government's guidance about avoiding unnecessary contact.

Mr Watson said: "We've taken this strong and responsible decision to close our coffee houses to protect our team and the public.

"The last few years have been challenging in the retail and hospitality sector and we are a small local company who want to support people in every aspect of their lives.

"Our teams, even though they are not in the shops, will be paid for the next five weeks.

"We know the impact this is having on people but we really value our team."

With real uncertainty around the situtation, management at Fresh do not know when they will be able to resume trading.

They say they will be providing updates as soon as they can.