WEAVER Vale MP, Mike Amesbury joined USDAW general secretary Paddy Lillis in Northwich on Saturday for a ‘Save Our Shops’ event.

The two spoke about the proposed M&S closure and the efforts being made by Mike, and other local councillors to retain the company’s presence in the town.

They also talked about the need for M&S to recognise USDAW in order to give ‘under-threat staff’ a voice.

Mike recently submitted a 1,500-word petition to M&S and also met with the store's bosses in Westminster to discuss the closure of the store.

He said: “Northwich was recently shortlisted as a ‘rising star’ in the Great British High Street Awards.

“Tenants are moving into Barons Quay but the town continues to be buffered by the same challenges to retail that every town is facing.

“But there are a lot of people working hard in the background to ensure Northwich remains a great place to visit and shop and goes from strength to strength in the future.”

USDAW Save Our Shops campaign is calling for action by the government to breathe life back into the high street.

It aims to create a more level playing field between the High Street and online retailing, argues for fair pay and job security for retail workers - a minimum wage of £10 per hour, tackle zero-hours and short-hours contracts, and urge the government to investment in skills and training.