BOSSES at Marks and Spencer have agreed to explore the possibility of a foodhall in Colchester’s city centre, an MP has revealed.

Will Quince has told the Gazette a “really positive” meeting has been held at the M&S headquarters in London.

It follows the announcement the store in High Street, Colchester, will shut later this year as part of expansion plans which will see a bigger store open in Stane Retail Park, Stanway.

Colchester MP Mr Quince said he discussed the future of the High Street store and future possibilities for the supermarket giant during the meeting on Tuesday morning.

He said: “I was reassured the team will not let the current store become an eyesore, they are committed to working hard to ensure the building is only vacant for a limited time.

Gazette: Closing down - the High Street storeClosing down - the High Street store

“They will also ensure the windows and the exterior of the store are kept in good condition.”

The MP added he brought calls from residents and businesses regarding a foodhall in the city centre to the attention of bosses at the supermarket.

He said: “The M&S team have agreed to explore this and we have further agreed a follow up meeting in a few weeks. I remain optimistic.

“I was also pleased to hear that the new flagship M&S store at Tollgate will mean 180 new jobs locally and be a huge boost to our local economy.”

Last year it was announced Colchester’s first M&S Foodhall would open in “early 2022” as the third flagship store for the retail development.

Gazette: Store - the new site in Stane Retail ParkStore - the new site in Stane Retail Park

But this has now been delayed to later in 2022 amid changes to the store, which will be expanded to include clothing and homeware departments, as well as a café.

However, campaigners have vowed to continue fighting to keep the current store open, with a petition launched in April since seeing more than 4,200 signatures.

Maarten Westera, 56, who is behind the petition, said: "The very minimum customers would be happy with would be a foodhall.

"A collection point for people ordering online without having to make a trip out to Stanway would also be a must.

"We've been pushing M&S from day one to keep a presence in the town centre and if a foodhall is all we're going to get, we would consider that a victory."