The closure of a local convenience store is being described as an "absolutely massive" loss to the community.

We previously reported Ian McNeill, the owner of Frankie’s in Giffnock, closed his business after he claims major works taking place outside his store on Braidholm Road "killed it".

Starting back in August, the street is set to be closed for around 11 months to allow major investment works to take place on behalf of Scottish Water to reduce sewer flooding, and Mr McNeill says he was forced to make the decision to close his shop after he lost the majority of passing trade due to the project.

READ MORE: Owner of Frankie's in Giffnock 'forced to close business due to disruptive Scottish Water works'

Glasgow Times:

David Russell, who lives in Giffnock near Frankie’s, says the closure of the store will have a big impact on the local community.

The 36-year-old said: "It’s an absolutely massive loss.

"Unless you walk up to Fenwick Road, which is probably a 15-minute walk for someone older, or walk over to the shops at Merrylee, which is again another 15-minute walk, there’s nothing.

"For people that don't have any transport, if you don't drive, and you're older you're going to have to walk probably 15 minutes at least.

"It will have a massive impact on the community."

Glasgow Times:

Mr Russell has now launched a fundraiser to raise money to help Mr McNeill following the closure.

So far, it has raised more than £160 of its £20,000 goal.

Mr Russell said: "I used it every day, even when I first moved in, I went in and introduced myself to Ian.

"I would speak to him for 10-15 minutes every day and he was a lovely guy, I got on with him really, really well.

"About three weeks ago I found out he was closing, and he explained the challenges he’s got.

"The reason I started the fundraiser was it left a horrible taste in my mouth, and I thought ‘how can nobody give a s*** about supporting him, how has nobody even thought about setting up a GoFundMe’.

"I felt it was the right thing to do.

"He might not be able to save the shop but if it means he can pay a couple of bills, it will help."

READ MORE: Current road layout for Scottish Water project on Braidholm Road in Giffnock extended by six months

Glasgow Times:

Frankie’s officially closed last week, and the majority of the stock is gone, with a lot of it having been given to local food banks.

Mr McNeill, 62, says it’s "humbling" that a fundraiser has been set up and people have already donated.

He previously told the Glasgow Times his business had lost around £6000 since the works started.

He said: "I think it’s quite incredible people are prepared to do this.

"David has been a regular customer of the shop and I’d spoken to him and put my cards on the table he was like ‘I’m shocked, I can’t believe this, it shouldn’t be allowed’.

"He said he felt he had to do something."

READ MORE: Owner of Frankie's in Giffnock 'sickened' by lack of compensation from Scottish Water

He added: "Frankie’s is going to be sadly missed.

"Everyone has come in saying ‘I can’t believe they’re doing this to you’.

"People have been saying ‘I’ve been here for 50-odd years and there’s always been a shop here’ but unfortunately, we’ve all been robbed of it."

Glasgow Times:

A Scottish Water spokesperson previously said: "We have previously met with the owner of Frankie's Convenience Store in Giffnock to understand the circumstances that his business is facing.

"We have implemented mitigation measures to help support the business.

"We recognise that this is a challenging time for small businesses faced with increasing costs and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

"We also recognise that the road closure adjacent to Frankie's will have reduced passing traffic.

"We were due to meet the owner of Frankie's again this week but unfortunately that was cancelled by him over the weekend.

"We have not been informed that the business is closing.

"Scottish Water is publicly owned and we must ensure that money raised from customer charges is invested in improving water and sewerage services for customers.

"We appreciate that there is inconvenience caused by these essential works to help reduce the risk of repeated internal sewer flooding for local householders although that will be far outweighed by the long-term benefits to the wider community.

"We will continue to work with local residents and business owners to help minimise any disruption for the duration of this major investment project."

You can view the GoFundMe for Frankie’s Convenience Store HERE.