WEAVER Vale Conservatives have called on bosses at Marks and Spencer to reconsider their decision to close their much-loved store in the heart of Northwich.

The group is now calling on residents to support an online petition calling on the high street retailer to rethink its plans with the livelihoods of store staff and a much-loved community asset at stake.

Davenham and Moulton councillor, Helen Weltman, said: “We understand that this decision by Marks and Spencer’s will not have been taken lightly and know the financial pressures many of our high street stores are facing with online shopping, but we would just ask the store to look at potential alternative solutions. As local councillors we would be more than happy to meet with store bosses to see if there is any way we could offer help.

“The council had grand plans for Barons Quay and current businesses are doing well, but unfortunately more retailers have yet to be attracted. Northwich is still a fantastic place to do business.”

To sign the petition go to cheshirewestconservatives.org.uk/campaigns