'Serious proposal' for closed M&S being considered

The former Marks and Spencer branch in Gallowtree Gate is currently empty

A "serious proposal" for the building once home to a Marks and Spencer (M&S) branch in Leicester is being considered, the city's mayor has said.

In May, M&S said it made "the tough decision" to propose shutting the Gallowtree Gate store, with the closing date announced in July and the doors shut to sad shoppers for the final time in August.

More than two months on, the site remains empty.

But Sir Peter Soulsby told the BBC there had been "interest" in the site, with the proposal "under discussion".

No further details on the proposal are able to be released currently, Leicester City Council added.

Soulsby said: "It's only been just over 10 weeks since M&S closed, and I'm pleased to say there is interest in this prime city centre site, and a serious proposal under discussion.

"We aren't able to go into further detail at this stage, but will do so in due course."

Shoppers in Gallowtree Gate said the departure of M&S had left a big hole to fill in the centre of the city.

The loss of M&S means less choice for shoppers, Naomi Deeley said

Leicester resident Naomi Deeley, 20, said: "I did shop in M&S but more for food and alcohol.

"I'm not sure what I'd like to see there, but it would be good to see something similar, then we'd have more options for shopping."

Student Nish Gurung, 21, added: "I think it's a problem for the city not having M&S there - I'd just like to see it open again."

Liza Deeping said it was "quite sad" when the store shut

And 57-year-old Liza Deeping, from Leicester, felt that the issue for many businesses is how the city centre's streets outside their doors feel.

She said: "I used to go there as a kid with my dad. The staff were lovely, it was quite sad when it shut.

"But with the way town is generally, I can understand it. I think a lot of people feel quite vulnerable."

When the store closed in the summer, one shopper - Margherita Stevens - donned a black hat and veil as she mourned the loss of the store.

As the doors shut for the final time, staff gathered for a round of applause.

Margherita Stevens described the store as her "safe space"