M&S still keen on new food store scheme

Retailer Marks & Spencer said today it was still interested in creating a Simply Food store in Shrewsbury.

The national chain, which already has a main store in the town centre, received permission three years ago to lift a planning restriction at a site in Meole Brace Retail Park so it can establish a dedicated food outlet.

The decision meant that M&S could convert a unit currently occupied by Bensons Bed Centre, but so far no development has taken place.

A spokeswoman for the retail giant today said: "Marks & Spencer are still looking at opportunities with the site in question. We cannot comment further at this stage."

M&S applied to alter a planning condition that prevented units on the park, other than the Sainsbury's supermarket and a frozen food outlet, selling food other than confectionery.

But councillors insisted that a condition must be included that prevents the chain from closing the food hall at its town centre store in Castle Street.