Disappointment as M&S store at risk of closure

Local shopper Maureen said if the store did close it could affect the rest of the high street

Shoppers in Wolverhampton have said they fear for the future of the high street after news the local M&S store could close.

The firm said on Thursday that it was just a proposal, but admitted the store had been underperforming for a while.

One resident said it came as a "huge disappointment", adding that she feared that if confirmed by M&S it could affect the city centre as a whole.

"It's pivotal - if they go, no one's going to come here," she said.

"I worry because it looks dismal now - well it's getting there. There used to be a lot of well known brands here, and it's just not going to be a town any more.

"You'll find more people will stay indoors, and do their shopping online. If Marks and Spencer go, game over."

Shoppers Jordan and Abby were more understanding about the potential closure, saying they use the Merry Hill store more regularly than Wolverhampton

Others in the town were more understanding about the potential closure, saying they already used the Merry Hill store, rather than the one in Wolverhampton.

Shopper Jordan said: "I use Merry Hill more often than not, it's more convenient. You can run in, run out no hassle."

Her friend Abby added: "It affects the local area, there is no parking, that's the issue.

"You get loads of random shops now - you can see it's all becoming the same stuff."

Another shopper said the news from M&S was "very disappointing".

"There's hardly anything left in Wolverhampton, it used to be a great town," they said.

"This place has died a death now, it's so sad."

The firm said on Thursday the closure was just a proposal at this stage

The regional manager for Marks & Spencer, Calum Telford, thanked customers for their support and said the brand's priority was "continuing conversations with colleagues", adding that the firm was working with City of Wolverhampton Council to find a site for a new store.

Councillor Chris Burden, council cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said he was "disappointed" by the news but fully understood M&S's "difficult decision".