MARKS and Spencer will keep its store in Accrington open over the Christmas period, it said yesterday.
Last year, M&S bosses said they would close the town’s flagship store in Broadway and open a new one in Rawtenstall.
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The firm has now confirmed work on its new M&S Foodhall, on the New Hall Hey Retail Park, will start in November with the unit expected to open early next year.
The Accrington branch will close when the new one opens, with staff being offered a transfer.
A M&S spokesman told the Lancashire Telegraph: “The decision to close our Accrington store and open a new store in Rawtenstall was not one we took lightly.
“The new store will offer a much bigger M&S food offer and an improved shopping experience, including free parking.”
The decision led to a 1,000-name petition and protests from councillors, who fear a “domino effect” leading to other store closures.
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