The Southwark Liberal Democrats have called on the council to devise a strategy for how to respond to the closure of the Marks and Spencer branch on Walworth Road.
On 15th March, Marks and Spencer announced that the branch, which has been open since 1913, would be closing.
Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition in Southwark Cllr Victor Chamberlain has written to the Marks and Spencer CEO, imploring the company not to close the branch.
Cllr Chamberlain has also written to Southwark’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Business and Town Centres to call on the council to support the Walworth Road community in light of the store’s planned closure.
The letter called on the council to devise a strategy for how it will support local businesses and fill the gap left by the closure of the Marks and Spencer.
Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:
“Residents have relied on the Walworth Road Marks and Spencer for over 100 years and have understandably reacted to the news of its closure with disappointment and anxiety. The community is right to be worried about the effect that a large store leaving this historic high street will have on the other local businesses. Southwark Council has a duty to step in to protect the local economy, offering support to local businesses and devising a strategy for how to fill the gap left by the closure of the Marks and Spencer.”
