THE town centre has been hit with yet another bodyblow after the Bonmarché shop closed down.

The doors of the West Blackhall Street premises have been closed down for good, after an apparent reprieve agreed late last year ended abruptly.

The Tele reported last October that the high street retailer had collapsed into administration, however it was saved by Philip Day’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group (EWM).

Despite EWM Group acquiring most assets, including stock and around 200 stores, they have made the decision to close the West Blackhall Street branch, much to the shock and dismay of loyal customers.

The fate of staff is still unknown as both full-time and part-time employees are still currently furloughed under the UK Government's coronavirus job retention scheme.

They could be potentially relocated elsewhere in the EWM Group but fear they may end up out of work.

One upset shopper, who wished to stay anonymous, said: "This will be a terrible loss to the town.

"I have been shopping there for years and so have many of my friends.

"It's a sad time for the town."

Another customer told the Tele: "There is nowhere in Greenock for women my age to shop now.

"It's very sad."

The closure decision is being viewed as a huge insult for staff and customers after a sign, pictured, put in the window last week by the new owners claimed they were looking forward to welcoming everyone back.

It read: 'A new chapter.

'We're now under new ownership and part of The EWM Group, a family run business that has a wealth of experience in retail.

'We're excited about our future as part of the group and we look forward to welcoming you back.'

The Tele contacted EWM Group regarding but we were told no one was available for comment.