THE gates at Barrhead’s bus depot will close for good at the end of this month.

Bosses at McGill’s have confirmed operations at the Muriel Street hub will cease on March 31, with 106 of the 112 employees being transferred to the firm’s Johnstone and Inchinnan bases.

The Barrhead News revealed in January that the depot was set to be axed as part of a cost-cutting move.

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East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton met with management from McGill’s to urge them to consider performing a U-turn over the planned closure.

However, the company insists “market forces” have left them with no option but to go ahead with the shutdown.

Ralph Roberts, managing director of McGill’s, said: “We can confirm that our Barrhead depot’s last day of operation will be March 31.

“There are a total of 112 members of staff employed at the depot and 106 of them will transfer to our Johnstone and Inchinnan facilities.”

Mr Roberts had pledged to avoid compulsory redundancies at the Barrhead depot if possible.

In a letter sent to staff earlier this year, he wrote: “When significant revenue reductions take place, savings must be found to balance the books.”

Bosses at McGill’s have declined to comment on what will happen to the Muriel Street depot once it is closed or if the company is close to agreeing a deal to sell the land.

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However, Mr Masterton has expressed concerns that the sprawling site will be left vacant.
He said: “Whilst not a surprise, it is of course disappointing to have the closure of the Barrhead depot confirmed.

“When I met with senior management last month, they assured me they would do all they could to protect jobs, so I am pleased that nearly all roles are being transferred.

“However, the loss of McGill’s will leave a significant vacant site in the area. I will continue to work closely with the relevant parties to look at what options might be available and how we can make sure Barrhead remains an attractive place to invest and do business.”