MIKE Amesbury MP has met with representatives of Marks and Spencer in Westminster to urge them to keep a presence in the town.

The Labour MP for Weaver Vale met with David Leach, Government Affairs Manager, and Tony Ginty, head of public affairs, in Parliament yesterday morning, Wednesday, to press the case for staying in Northwich, following news of plans to close the store.

Mike said: “M&S is an iconic British brand with a long history, and it’s extremely important we keep names like these in Northwich.

“I’ve had many letters and email from constituents saying how sorry they are to see the store under threat.

“Although these are difficult times for retail nationally, I told M&S that the town is very much bucking the national trend and that a number of retailers have now made the move into Barons Quay.

“They left the meeting certain in the knowledge that Northwich wants them to stay.”

Despite the Northwich store currently being under a consultation period to close, Mike is optimistic of a U-turn from M&S bosses.

He added: “There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes and I’ll be working with Cheshire West and Chester Council and local councillors to make sure we do everything we possibly can to keep them in Northwich.”