THE green light has been given to the new multi-million pound Marks and Spencer foodhall in Largs - with local traders saying they expect a spin-off surge in footfall.

The 9,000sq ft store will be built on the Pearson Suzuki showrooms and Stewarts Associates sites on Main Street - and will stock over five thousand food and drink products.

North Ayrshire Council planning department finally rubber-stamped the move yesterday after eight months of deliberations.

The retail giant has vowed to 'put local people first' as they prepare to create 50 new jobs - but revealed the new outlet won't open until 'early next summer'.

Local businesses in the town centre today welcomed the move and believe it will bring more trade to everyone in and around the area.

Scott Paton, owner of AD Paton Butchers, said: "I think it will be a good thing as it will certainly bring more footfall into the town, so to my mind, it is a positive move.

"I think we are quite lucky in Largs that independent shops like ourselves have a loyal customers base, and I don't see that changing. If the new store makes for a better overall shopping experience, and more people coming to Largs, then hopefully there will be more shoppers all round.

"Now we need more competitive rents and rates relief to encourage more businesses to open and get all of these empty shops filled."

Owner of The Candy Box and Continental, Richard Craigmile, also hailed the decision to give M&S the green light.

He added: "It is good news for the town. A firm of this size isn't coming just because of the local population but because of the amount of visitors coming to Largs. I think it will have all round benefits.

"They are a big brand and I can only see it being a positive thing for the town in general. Their arrival will help push things on in the town centre."

Conservative councillor Tom Marshall told the News he has been working in the background with the developer and M&S bosses to help push the application through.

He added: "It was hoped that the completion time for the development would be the end of the year, but it looks like that might run on now into 2023.

"On a wider context it will strengthen the Largs economy and improve the vibrancy of the town centre

"A survey was carried out by M&S which found that around 40 per cent of the current expenditure of residents is actually spent outwith the town and they will be hoping to capture some of that. With a turnover of £8m, it will provide 30 new full time posts and 20 part time ones, as well as much more choice.

"There has been some criticism with people wanting a Lidl or Aldi, and hopefully this will encourage them to get their skates on and also find a suitable site."

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch said: "I am delighted this has gone through after a long wait, bringing competition to the likes of Morrisons, Co-op and Tesco Express

"It believe it will only assist other local businesses and increase footfall and I predict that the empty Sheiling building directly across from the new site won't be empty for much longer.

"I'd like to wish Pearson's Garage all the best for the future as they have a long history in the town. They moving out, but they are expanding their Wemyss Bay operation to provide additional services which are being taken out of Largs."

David Bates, Regional Manager for M&S said, “We believe that Largs is the ideal location to open a new M&S foodhall and we’re excited at the prospect of making a new home here.

"We want to provide our local customers with a brilliant and inspiring shopping experience in a convenient and accessible location.”