A RECYCLING social enterprise which serves Helensburgh and Lomond has filed for administration - putting hundreds of jobs under threat.

Around 109 staff at Greenlight Environmental, which provides recycling and glass collection services in Argyll and Bute, West Dunbartonshire and Inverclyde, were issued with redundancy notices last Tuesday.

The company has been told to pay a tax bill to HMRC valued at £300,000.

The news has been met with shock and calls have been made to protect the jobs of “vulnerable” staff.

The area’s MSP, Jackie Baillie, said: “It was a shock to learn of Greenlight’s plans.

“They are a great organisation who have made a really positive impact on our community and this is very sad news.

“With a 100-strong workforce, it is paramount that we strain every sinew to retain the company and, as importantly, retain all the jobs.

“Given that the main contracts are with councils in West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde, I hope the three will come together urgently to help with a rescue plan.

“I am also disappointed by the apparent lack of support offered by RBS and I hope they will work alongside the councils and the board of Greenlight to help to keep this company as a going concern.”

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesman said: “We are considering options to ensure service delivery is maintained in the event that Greenlight are no longer able to provide the service.”