BUSINESSES in one of Inverclyde's top shopping destinations say they need help to get trade flowing again.

Independent retailers and traders issued the plea as they met with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar during a walkabout on the campaign trail in Gourock's Kempock Street.

The party's council candidate Martin McCluskey joined his leader as they spoke directly to a host of indepedent retailers in one of Inverclyde's busiest high streets, including representatives from Ardgowan Distillery, who set up in the Kempock Street pop-up shop.

Distillery chief executive Martin McAdam said: "There are a lot of issues with the economy and trade that need to be sorted out.

"We need to get into a situation where it is easier to export to Europe.

"With Brexit, independent retailers like ourselves are finding it harder to get shipments abroad because of the paperwork.

"So I was keen to get that message across.

"We are completely committed to the area and want to bring jobs here."

Labour leader Mr Sarwar stopped off in premises up and down Gourock's main shopping area, speaking to businesses about what they need from their leaders and local council going forward.

He met Pirate and Bluebelle gift shop owners Heather McCulloch and Nick Summers and chatted about their success story.

Heather told the Tele: "We had a very positive and upbeat visit from Anas thanks to Martin McCluskey who has been a long time supporter of our business.

"Anas shared our views on increasing footfall and how small businesses are an integral part of the community."

Mr Sarwar said: "I am so impressed with Kempock Street, it is a fantastic place to visit and I am really keen to find out more about how we help businesses in places like this.

"We need to look at what we can do to invest in infrastructure and support traders who face huge competition online.

"There are so many opportunities for Inverclyde and for Gourock, we need to find ways to bring people here so they can see for themselves what is on offer.

"I think it was made clear to me how much they have suffered in the last two years.

"What we now need to do is inspire confidence and help get people back on their feet.

"We have to support retailers and hospitality recover from the pandemic."

Election candidate Mr McCluskey said: "We were delighted to have Anas here, speaking to our businesses and finding ways to support them.

"We are very proud of the success of the traders in Kempock Street."