M&S says Huntingdon store to close in March but fight goes on

MARKS and Spencer has today (Thursday) announced that it will go ahead with the intended closure of Huntingdon s Simply Food store. Petitions signed by readers of The Hunts Post, along with a letter inviting M&S chairman Sir Stuart Rose to visit the to

MARKS and Spencer has today (Thursday) announced that it will go ahead with the intended closure of Huntingdon's Simply Food store.

Petitions signed by readers of The Hunts Post, along with a letter inviting M&S chairman Sir Stuart Rose to visit the town, have been sent to the firm in a last ditch attempt to persuade the retailer to reverse its decision.

However, M&S said following a "full and thorough consultation process, an agreement has been reached with employee representative group (BIG) to progress with the proposed closure of the Huntingdon Simply Food store".

The firm added: "M&S is now entering into individual consultations with staff at the store to discuss the implications of this decision for them personally and to explore redeployment opportunities.

"Where redeployment is not available, employees will be made redundant and offered appropriate help from M&S to find alternative employment in the local area."

There are 29 members of staff employed at the M&S branch, which looks set to close on March 12.

However, the fight to retain it is continuing. Letters from business leaders and councillors in Huntingdon are still being sent to M&S demanding a rethink.

MP Jonathan Djanogly has written to Sir Stuart, as has the vice chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, Cllr Jeff Dutton, and town centre manager Katy Sismore.

You can send your views directly to M&S by writing to: Sir Stuart Rose, Marks & Spencer

Waterside House, 35 North Wharf Road, London W2 1NW.

For full reaction see The Hunts Post on Wednesday, February 11.