A MUCH-loved comic book store near Glasgow has closed down.

Castle Comics, which is based in The Centre Cumbernauld, took to social media to reveal the gutting news recently.

In a post, the bosses of the business claim that the centre 'has reached' a stage that due to 'leaks, subsequent damage, and lack of maintenance', they can 'no longer trade' in the facility.

According to the owners, it has left them with no choice but to sadly shut down the store.

However, while delivering the devastating news, the comic book shop also revealed they are set to open a new venue in East Kilbride.

The centre was purchased by North Lanarkshire Council last year as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration programme to revitalise the town centre.

Announcing the closure of social media, the store said: "I have stayed in Cumbernauld for about 30 years, the people are amazing and I love it.

"During that time the place has changed but one constant has been The Cumbernauld Centre.

"I have witnessed the slow decline of the centre throughout my eight years running Castle Comics UK.

"Unfortunately the centre has reached the stage that due to leaks, subsequent damage and lack of maintenance, we can no longer trade from the front of the shop nor hold gaming in the rear.

"This has left us no choice but to close Castle Comics in Cumbernauld. If we can't trade we can't pay the bills.

"Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the shop over the years, it means a lot to us. Now for the good news!

"Castle Comics is opening in East Kilbride. More details to follow!"

In response to the claims the centre has lacked 'maintenance', a spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Due to recent high winds, part of the roof areas in the shopping centre were impacted, resulting in substantial water ingress and repairs are underway to address this.

"We are making considerable investment to develop the retail space, including improvements to lifts, access points and shop frontage so that the shopping centre continues to attract custom.

“The council purchased The Centre Cumbernauld last year as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration programme to revitalise the town centre.

"This is an exciting long-term programme that will transform the town centre which will include a proposed new state-of-the-art hub with shared public services, new commercial and retail premises, amenity spaces and town-centre living.

"The community will be fully involved in these plans.

“However, this will take many years to come to fruition and in the meantime, we will work with retailers and other businesses to maximise their potential as The Centre Cumbernauld will continue to operate  as a shopping centre for a number of years, with a full retail offer remaining in place.”

Following the news, fans of the comic store expressed their sadness on social media.

One said: "Sad loss for Cumbernauld residents. I will certainly miss you."

Another said: "We'll be sad to see you leave Cumbernauld."

A third added: "What a shame."