AN ANNIESLAND butcher has urged people to shop local as he warns his business may not survive.

Gary Peline, who owns Anniesland Butchers on Great Western Road, said a "frightening" downturn on the once-popular shopping street has left him on the verge of collapse.

In a desperate social media plea, Gary urged his followers to use small businesses as opposed to large chains for their daily needs in a bid to stop further decay to the city's high streets.

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He said: "Since mid-April, I have seen a dramatic downturn on Anniesland Cross and it’s frightening to say the least.

"I have tried everything I can think of and put myself and staff on the forefront of danger to our health to make sure the customers got the food to see them through this pandemic - from home delivery to keeping the shop open and to provide a top-class service throughout.

Glasgow Times:

"I now find myself in a situation where I [am] fighting for survival as the downturn is now so dramatic that I find myself asking the local community to please support us in our time of need in order to survive the process of coming out of Covid-19 as we supported you guys."

He added: "I don’t like one bit to put this post out but I feel I have no option but to ask for a bit of help from all of the community to support the small shops that were the lifeline in this horrible situation we all found ourselves in and never asked for.

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"Please shop local and support all small businesses."

It's understood Gary is attempting to source new premises in a bid to keep costs down but is struggling to stay afloat.

Devastated customers said they were "shocked" to hear of the shop's situation and quickly shared his message across social media platforms in the hope it would drum up some business.