M&S Simply Food Alton - closure

Damian released the following statement today:

I was very sorry to be informed today that Marks & Spencer’s Simply Food store in Alton is due to close early next year.

This is very sad news for the town, especially coming so soon after the news about TJ Jones and the Post Office, and my thoughts are particularly with the staff who work there. I very much hope that alternative local employment can be found for everyone affected.

I have been in touch with M&S today to request a meeting to understand the reasons behind the decision to close the store. I am also speaking with EHDC about the future of the site and how it might be repurposed.

M&S has played an important role as an anchor store at the end of Alton High Street, so its closure will be a real blow to the town centre. I will be doing all I can to understand what has led to this decision and to help ensure the site continues to play a positive role in Alton’s future.

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