THE former Waitrose supermarket in Helensburgh will be handed over to its new owners on June 1, according to the town's MSP.

But Jackie Baillie says she expects local shoppers to be without access to a second supermarket in the town "for a few months" before the Cardross Road building opens as a Morrisons.

The Waitrose store in the town closed its doors for the last time on the evening of Sunday, May 3, after the supermarket chain's parent company, the John Lewis Partnership, announced "weaker than expected" performance in its annual report.

Ms Baillie says Waitrose are now expected to spend four weeks removing products, fixtures and fittings from the building before handing it over to Morrisons on June 1 – though it's not yet clear how long it'll take the new owners to fit out the property.

READ MORE: Helensburgh faces long wait for Morrisons as Waitrose prepares to close supermarket

The closure of Waitrose has left the Co-operative Food store in Sinclair Street as the only larger supermarket in Helensburgh, along with smaller Tesco Metro and Tesco Express stores in Sinclair Street and East Clyde Street respectively.

The nearest alternative options require shoppers to travel to Dumbarton or Alexandria – or use 'click and collect' services, or hope to secure a rare home delivery slot.

Ms Baillie has also called on Morrisons to reserve delivery slots immediately for the most vulnerable Helensburgh residents, to ensure people who can't travel elsewhere can get access to food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus lockdown.

READ MORE: Nine years of news: look back at how Waitrose made the Helensburgh headlines

Ms Baillie said: “I am disappointed that, given the extraordinary circumstances that we are currently living in, Waitrose will now take a month to empty their Helensburgh store of products and fittings.

"This will significantly prolong the time that local residents will be without easy access to a supermarket.

“I am now urging Morrison’s to be as efficient as possible when it comes to refitting the store.

READ MORE: Waitrose store manager says 'thank you, Helensburgh'

"The need for access to essential goods has never been so vital.

"Morrisons has a duty of care to ensure that their customers are supported during this crisis and I hope that they take my suggestions on board – open quickly and in the meantime provide immediate delivery slots for those who need them the most.”

Both Waitrose and Morrisons have been contacted for comment.

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