Mixed reaction to closure of M&S

THERE has been a huge reaction to the news Marks and Spencer will not have a town centre presence from winter 2022.

Plenty see it as a hammer blow to Macclesfield, some are optimistic and others philosophically describe it as a sad but inevitable sign of the times. Here is just a taste of your initial thoughts on Facebook.

Audrey Westbury said: “They have shut an awful lot of town centre shops down last few years, guess shoppers will be directed to Handforth Dean, not very convenient if you don’t drive though.”

Val Fearon said: “We’ve had a very difficult 20 months for retail. I think we have been lucky to keep our M&S as long as we have. It will be missed, no doubt - but it’s not the store that it was.”

Melanie Butson said: “So what is Cheshire East Council planning to do, to encourage retailers to the swiftly closing Mill Street?

“Over 50 per cent of retail units are closed down and now empty. What is the long-term plan?”

Charmaine-Ron Campbell said: “Looks very tired, much needed investment will now happen. Clothes section been poor for years. The way we shop has changed forever, it’s hard to let go but it is the way of life now.

“The high street is sadly well in the past.”

Keith Townley said: “The world does not revolve around M&S. There are still lots of independent shops, not to mention great coffee shops & cafes, restaurants and pubs, Picturedrome and Treacle Market! Yes the High Street is changing but supporting local businesses is a start!”

Mel Naomi said: “Sad news, town is slowly losing everything. It’s a shambles. The days gone by where town was heaving and vibrant are long gone.”

Anne Griffiths said: “M&S is in big trouble, it’s been closing high street stores for a couple of years now, so I guess it’s just Macclesfield’s turn.”

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of the economy and growth committee, said: “We remain committed to driving forward a positive future for the town, and Macclesfield continues to attract interest and investment, with £7m of investment and 50 jobs created by new businesses along Castle Street recently.

“During the pandemic, the council came together with other public, private and voluntary sectors to co-produce a Macclesfield Town Centre Recovery Plan. The plan sets out objectives and actions to help the town centre to recover safely from the pandemic.”