Leicester Marks & Spencer store to close under plans

Marks & Spencer could close its store in Gallowtree Gate

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has proposed closing one of its city centre shops.

The retailer confirmed on Wednesday that it had made "the tough decision to propose to close" the Gallowtree Gate shop in Leicester.

M&S regional manager Calum Telford said workers at the store would be offered alternative roles in the business "wherever possible".

He confirmed investment would be made into the nearby Fosse Park store, adding "shopping habits are changing".

Mr Telford added: "Our store rotation strategy is all about making sure we have the right stores with the right space to deliver a brilliant shopping experience for our customers.

"That means opening stores, investing in stores but also sadly closing others."

The retailer has not yet confirmed the amount of jobs that will be affected by the potential closure.

'Real shame'

Peter Hassell, of Leicester, said he could not imagine the road without M&S and described himself as "a regular customer".

"It's been there all of my life," he said. "It's expanded itself down here. Who will take that store on? I don't really know. Even if it's split up, it will be a terrible situation.

"God help us without M&S. It'll be a great loss to the city centre if we lose M&S here and it will be much-missed."

Another shopper told the BBC: "I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed because it means they'll have to go to Fosse Park, and not everybody has their car and it's a real pain to get out there on the bus."

They added: "I think it's a real shame for the city."