Opticare in Largs closes down after 28 years in town

Long running opticians Opticare were based in Aitken Street but customers have been told that the premises has now closed. 

Opticare, who own a number of shops across Glasgow and the central belt, closed down their Largs operation at the turn of the year.

It is the latest in a long line of businesses which have closed in the town including The Chef's Eye in Nelson Street, Buena Onda restaurant, Jenny's Wardrobe, Cafe Renard, and the House of Nails.

Neighbouring businessman Scott Paton of AD Paton Butchers said: "It is a worrying picture that so many businesses have been closing. 

Scott Paton: More incentives required for town centre businesses (Image: AD Paton)

"Opticare closed down overnight - it came as quite a shock.

"I think there needs to be more done to promote shopping local, and look at getting 100 per cent rates relief to provide incentives for businesses.

"I think the council and the government need to do more to try and help the high street."

North Coast councillor Tom Marshall recently raised the issue at a meeting of North Ayrshire Council (NAC).

Councillors from all sides backed his plea for the local authority to write to First Minister Humza Yousaf asking for a rates relief scheme to be restarted for the new financial year.

And Karen Forret, managing director of the Wilkies chain of clothes shops, which has six stores in Scotland, including Largs, slammed the lack of support for Scottish businesses.

Clients at Opticare in Largs have been transferred to Bonellie's opticians, based in the Main Street, customers have been told. 

It now means there there are three opticians in Largs, including Specsavers, which expanded to take over the former Ibac, and Eyeglass Opticians, which opened last year in the former Goody 2 shoes premises.

Last spring, Opticare confirmed the closure of their Saltcoats branch as it merged with another opticians in the town. 

Opticare is a small group of independent practices that has uses industry leading service and technology for the benefit of customers.

The Largs practice was formerly based in Gallowgate Square in the 1970s under the name Motion Opticians, before moving to Aitken Street in October 1995.

The Largs Opticare team won an industry award in recognition of the level of service shown and advanced technology used within the practice.

Opticare have been contacted for comment.