THERE was confusion, frustration and sadness in Saltcoats at the weekend as one of the town's most popular stores looks to have closed down.

It follows local reports that Pound Express on Dockhead Street was made to shut up shop on Saturday, May 6.

And despite the King's Coronation, it appears this was not in relation to any bank holidays.

Eyewitnesses who were in the town on the afternoon that it closed state that locksmiths were seen at the shop, changing locks as the shutter was pulled over.

The shop has not re-opened since then.

Since Saturday, the store's particularly active Facebook page has also been taken down.

The news has left many bemused, particularly given that only recently the business owner expanded to open another shop in Prestwick.

It is also understood that this shop has closed, in a smilar manner to its sister store in Saltcoats.

Locals have been left perplexed by the situation - with many also frustrated having made and paid for orders, such as with the shop's party balloon service, which they fear will now be left unfufilled.

However, the overriding feeling among those in Saltcoats has been one of sadness.

Since it was taken over by Gerard 'Gerry' Houston in 2010, Pound Express has become a staple of the Saltcoats retail scene.

Mr Houston was also one of the key figures behind the town's successful campaign against the introduction of parking charges in North Ayrshire.

Several people on social media said they could barely believe the news.

One said: "That's the end of Saltcoats as a toon. That was the best shop in there. The guy's always up for a laugh and so kind."

Another commented: "This wasn't just any shop. This was the heart of our community. Gerry would fight tooth and nail for us. Wish we could for him."

Official confirmation of the closure, and reason for this, is yet to be provided.

More when we have it.