M&S closure concerns

Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley and Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina McKelvie are calling on Marks and Spencer to reconsider plans to close their Regent Way store in Hamilton.

M&S have recently confirmed their intention to close the store as they prepare to open a new outlet in the former Watt Brothers store at Hamilton Retail Park.

Although the new store is welcome, it will not fully make up for the proposed closure at a time when economic recovery hangs on a knife-edge as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Commenting, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley and Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina McKelvie said:

“We were disappointed to learn of Marks and Spencer’s plans to close their store at Regent Way in Hamilton and we would urge them to reconsider these proposals.

“This will be a huge blow to Hamilton town centre and the local economy which has already been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is welcome that Marks and Spencer are planning to open a new store in the former Watt Brothers at Hamilton Retail Park but this will not fully negate the impact to staff and to the town.

“Just 24 hours before this news broke, Marks and Spencer announced plans to close 11 stores in France due to the impact of Brexit and this decision further highlights the consequences of the UK Government’s reckless decision to leave the single market in the middle of a pandemic which has cost jobs both at home and abroad.”