MORE than 150 jobs will be created at Helensburgh’s new Morrisons supermarket, with local politicians heralding the news as a welcome economic boost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The retail giant is set to take over the site of the former Waitrose store in Cardross Road later this year, although an exact opening date has still to be confirmed.

Waitrose closed in May with the loss of 88 jobs but Morrisons announced last week that it is seeking staff for a variety of roles including team leaders, customer assistants, skilled butchers and fishmongers.

A recruitment centre, in the Brunton Miller Solicitors building at 7 Colquhoun Street, was due to open on Monday, August 31 however that was delayed, with several people reporting they were turned away and told to search for vacancies online.

READ MORE: Morrisons to create more than 150 jobs at former Waitrose site in Helensburgh

The recruitment centre has now opened, although anyone interested in applying is advised to visit the Morrisons website in the first instance.

The company said in a statement: “There are over 150 roles available at the Cardross Road store which will open towards the end of this year following an extensive refurbishment of the former Waitrose building.”

Scott Byers, the newly-appointed store manager, said: “I’m really looking forward to starting the recruitment process and building an enthusiastic team ready to serve the Helensburgh community.”

West of Scotland Conservative MSP Maurice Corry, who lives in Helensburgh and was instrumental in bringing the former Waitrose supermarket to the town, has welcomed the news that Morrisons are set to create over 150 new jobs.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted that Morrisons are continuing to press ahead with their plans for their store in Helensburgh, which will bring a major jobs boost to the town.

“We had seen before with Waitrose coming to the area, which I was a strong backer of, that there is the strong demand for a modern supermarket experience in the town.

READ MORE: Morrisons confirms purchase of Helensburgh Waitrose store

“Creating over 150 jobs at this time is a hugely welcome economic boost given the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and I hope that many of the former employees of Waitrose will take up the interview guarantee from Morrisons.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Morrisons with their plans, by visiting their recruitment office, not only as the local MSP but as a Helensburgh resident as well.”

Jackie Baillie, the town’s constituency MSP, added: “I welcome the news that Morrisons plans to start recruiting for our new Helensburgh store and I was particularly pleased to learn that anyone previously employed by Waitrose is guaranteed an interview, should they wish to apply.

“However, it is disappointing that we still do not even know which month the store will open in – never mind an actual date!

“Morrisons have been in ownership of the site since June and it is concerning that it has taken so long to open.

“Local people in Helensburgh and Lomond have been clear to me that they want the store to open as quickly as possible.”

Further information can be found on a dedicated Facebook page for the new store: Morrisons Helensburgh - Customer & Community.

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