Red Comyn closure is approved

After years of unprofitable trading and failed attempts to sell the Red Comyn, Punch Taverns seeks to turn the Mossgiel Road pub into two separate retail units, including a licenced grocer.

Faced with a large number of objections from residents, North Lanarkshire Council refused permission – however an appeal to the Scottish Government has now been successful.

The area’s SNP MSP, Jamie Hepburn, previously voiced his own opposition to the plans.

He said: “The local community has expressed a range of concerns about the potential redevelopment of the Red Comyn, and I highlighted these in my response to the original planning application.

“If those behind this application do decide to press ahead with their planned changes then they will have to take steps to ensure that the concerns of the community are adequately addressed.”

Afton Road resident and community activist Liam Stevenson has been calling on social media for a boycott of any new store.

He told the News and Chronicle: “The weight of public opinion has always been heavily stacked against this.

“A grassroots campaign to boycott the new store is underway and we will be doing leaflet drops in the area.

“I know that this project is a major worry for local family shopkeepers in the area, some of whom have served our community for 30 years. They fear the new store will systematically drive them out of business.”