Food giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) have denied they submitted plans for Helensburgh's waterfront.

The retailer has long been cited by residents as a popular option for the town, and Argyll and Bute Council have made no secret of their desire to sell off the prime location to a large retailer.

But suggestions M&S have approached the council about the site have been dismissed.

The Advertiser asked if M&S had submitted any bid for development in the town and a spokesperson replied: "While we are always on the lookout for possible new sites, no application has been made to Argyll and Bute Council at this time.”

Nine bids for the waterfront were submitted last year and the council invited six to submit formal proposals, which were due in December.

Only Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) has been open about being one of the bidders and what they are proposing. It is not known what, if any, other bids have been submitted.

Helensburgh Advertiser:

In December, a spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: "Following the closing date, our consultants will prepare a report on proposals received from interested parties. We expect to review this early in the New Year.

"We will then make a decision on when the report will go to committee.”

Council officials set three key requirements for the six finalists for the waterfront site: more parking, dedicated land for the skate park, and plans for boosting infrastructure.

In a letter to those shortlisted in September, the council stated: "Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) have advised that there is no spare capacity available within the existing substations on the site and therefore any additional supply will require additional infrastructure to be provided."

Although residents want more retail opportunities in Helensburgh, there has been persistent opposition to a large unit on the waterfront that would impact independent shops as well as the Clydeside views that attract tourists.