A PETITION to save a Girvan shop has taken off with more than 70 per cent of its targeted signature count reached.

The Original Factory Shop on Dalrymple Street launched a (Company Voluntary Agreement) CVA in July this year which means the business can no longer afford to pay the rent being charged. As a result, the homeware store faces inevitable closure.

A local woman, Samantha Campbell has started an online petition to try and coax the shop owners to negotiate a new deal for the shop’s rent. And it has reached 719 signatures already of a target of 1000. Samantha said: “This is the last thing we need – a loss of jobs, a loss of opportunities and of course a big empty space in our town centre - let’s fight!”

The Girvan store’s future is still uncertain, however The Original Factory Shop bosses announced that 32 branches are set to shut with reduced rates on rent the only chance others will remain open.