Ronnie Cowan MP was joined by Cllr Liz Robertson, Mairi Coventry, owner of The Crafty Owl, Shari Workman, Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce membership engagement manager, and Anne MacIntosh, Inverclyde Council business development team leader. (Image – Greenock Telegraph).

Inverclyde’s MP has called for more support for local retailers after going on a fact-finding tour visiting small businesses in Greenock town centre.

As part of his work highlighting some of the district’s independent stores, Ronnie Cowan paid a visit to a selection of West Blackhall Street-based firms.

The SNP man spoke with staff at Infinity Beauty, before popping across the road into Café Balfé and then chatting to workers at The Wee Crafty Owl.

Mr Cowan’s walkabout also took him to McTavish & Co accountants on Nicolson Street and he finished up at mobile phone repair shop Hotspot.

The MP, who was joined in Greenock town centre by representatives from Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, is aiming to find out more about the unprecedented challenges small businesses face in the wake of Covid, high inflation, huge transport and energy costs, the cost-of-living and other pressures.

Mr Cowan said: “It was good to visit businesses based on and around West Blackhall Street and to hear concerns about the development of the area.

“Parking issues and the level of business rates were some of the major issues I heard about.

“There is also great concern about the drop in footfall from cruise ship passengers since they have been re-directed towards Cathcart Street.

“There is a planned refurbishment which is welcomed but deep-rooted issues need to be addressed.

“There was much talk of a green space within walking distance, and I would hope that this will be created as part of the levelling up fund project.

“The business owners have been extremely resilient in surviving the downturn caused by internet shopping, the pandemic, rocketing inflation, and austerity but they remain committed to this area, and they should be commended and supported by the council.”

Mr Cowan previously visited a number of outlets in Gourock during Scotland Loves Local campaign week that bids to ‘put localism at the heart of a stronger, fairer future for Scotland’s towns’.

He added: “I also saw lots of reasons why people in Inverclyde should shop and use services here in Inverclyde.

“These businesses would never survive if they were not offering great choice, value, and know-how, so they must be cherished and encouraged.

“They are the bedrock of the local economy and provide investment and jobs.

“There are also obvious environmental reasons why people who live here should shop here.

“High streets across Scotland are suffering and we need to find a way to combine business, commerce, and residential properties that complement and enhance each other.

“Everyone who accompanied me took an active interest in the challenges business owners are facing and all of us will take an active role in defining a positive way forward.”