Emma has signed the Shields Gazette’s petition calling for retailer Marks and Spencer to return to South Shields as soon as possible, after last week’s announcement that its store on King Street would close at the end of this month after eighty years in the town.
The decision, which was announced on Tuesday, has drawn disappointed reactions from local people. Staff will keep their jobs, but will be moved to the chain’s Silverlink store.
M&S said that a declining customer base meant the King Street store was no longer viable.
Emma said:
“Last week’s announcement was a huge disappointment, and I’m not surprised that so many people have got involved in this campaign. M&S has been one of our most popular retailers, and to lose them is a big blow to our town centre.
“But with over £100m of investment in our town centre on the way as part of South Tyneside Council’s South Shields 365 project, I believe firms like M&S will soon be looking to return. The great response from local people to the Shields Gazette’s petition proves that there is plenty of demand, and I am pleased to back the campaign.”
Readers who want to support the Gazette’s petition can find it by clicking here, or print off a copy for others to sign here.