AN MSP has hit out at moves to close a popular Marks and Spencer store. 

Monica Lennon who represents Central Scotland in the Scottish Parliament has branded the closure of the M&S in the Regent Shopping Centre in Hamilton as "dreadful news."

In an e-mail to Ms Lennon, the company told her that they would be relocating to the former Watt Brothers Site in the Hamilton Retail Park. The e-mail stated: "In Hamilton, we plan to open a brand new M&S Foodhall in the former Watt Brothers site at 6 Douglas Park Lane.

"It's going to be one of our renewal stores with a fresh marketplace feel and new products and services including a larger bakery and a fill-you-own feature where customers can bring their own containers to save on packaging. Our store itself will be more efficient with fridges that use less energy.

"Our investment in this new store does, unfortunately, mean that we propose to close our existing store on Regent Way.

"In the case of Hamilton, we have given our offer in the local area a great deal of consideration and have decided we can best serve our customers by making these changes."

The company has confirmed they will aim to redeploy as many staff as possible.

Ms Lennon has raised concerns about the impact the store closure will have on footfall to the surrounding area. She said: "

“The closure of Marks and Spencer would be tragic for Hamilton, and my immediate concern is for the workforce and the future of our town centre.

“This announcement is dreadful news because we know that the presence of M&S on Regent Way generates town centre footfall that keeps so many other shops and businesses alive.

“I am particularly concerned that M&S will only commit to transferring some of the store’s workforce, leaving the entire team with an uncertain future. The company must do all they can to avoid job losses.

“We can’t allow this to be yet another nail in the coffin of our town centre. This closure might be just one store for a big company like M&S, but it could start a chain reaction that decimates Hamilton’s economy.

“I have reached out to trade union representatives and local contacts to offer my full support. Every possible action must be taken to retain M&S in Regent Way, support Hamilton town centre and to protect jobs.”

Scott Munro, Regional Manager for M&S said: “Today we are announcing plans to open a brand-new M&S Foodhall former Watt Brothers site at 6 Douglas Park Lane – offering our customers in Hamilton the chance to experience a new food shopping experience with a fresh marketplace feel and a range of new features.

“Our investment in this store does unfortunately mean we will be closing our existing store on Regent Way. We will redeploy as many colleagues as possible to a role in the new store or a local store. We recognise some people will find this move disappointing. This has been a tough decision, but our investment means we can deliver the very best M&S offer for our customers in Hamilton with a modern new store fully equipped for the future.”