The prospect of a new petrol station has emerged as the most positive aspect of Waitrose's proposal to build a store in Helensburgh.

That's the finding from the final results from two independent surveys conducted in the town, to find out residents views on the national food chain's plans for the Burgh.

Between June 1 and June 20, 1,243 people responded to Waitrose's public consultation, while 967 also completed a questionnaire conducted by Helensburgh Community Council (HCC).

HCC convener Darrel Hendrie said: "This has been the largest public consultation exercise ever mounted by the community council and the results are clear - it is an overwhelming 'yes' vote to a new supermarket with a large majority happy with the site opposite the new Academy." Three main selling points are evident from the results, with the possibility of a petrol station, job opportunities locally and Waitrose itself being the main deal-breaker for respondents.

Of those surveyed, 30 per cent voted a new petrol station the most positive aspect of the food chain's proposal. In second place, was Waitrose coming to Helensburgh with 28 per cent followed by job development with 26 per cent.

The Waitrose consultation also concluded that 96 per cent of respondents were in favour of their overall proposals and 90 per cent revealed there was a great need for more local jobs in the town.

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