A petition has been launched after a major retailer recently announced a big change to its store.

We previously reported that the M&S Bishopbriggs store is set to close its cafe doors later this year, which has caused horror amongst the local community.

The decision, which comes as part of a major transformation to the establishment's foodhall, will see the installation of a fresh-market design, a range of new features including bold neon lighting, extended product lines and a larger in-store bakery serving freshly baked breads, cakes and pastries.

Glasgow Times:

Now, in the wake of the decision, a petition has appeared on the Change.org platform to save the 'social hub'.

The petition, which was set up a month ago, has almost 400 signatures, with the goal to reach 500.

READ MORE: Bishopbriggs M&S to close cafe as part of huge makeover

The organiser of the petition said: "M&S Cafe Bishopbriggs was opened after pressure from the community to have a cafe which at that time the retail park lacked.

"It has become a social hub for many people of all ages but a favourite for the elderly who get the wee bus to drop them right at the door.

"It's a place for a decent coffee and cake a natter and to pick up some shopping too, replacing it with a machine to take away isn't any consolation.

"I have never seen the cafe empty and many times the tables are full, and the queue is still long and there is also a steady flow of people getting takeaway food and drinks too.

"It was opened as a foodhall and now they want to replace the cafe with clothes and more self-serve machines. What about all the staff?

"The cafe is due to be shut by summer, so we need to act quick."

Glasgow Times:

Following the launch, the community have been quick to rally around the cause.

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One commenter wrote: "I care about the people who use this cafeteria even if M&S don't. I'll stop doing any shopping in M&S if they go ahead with this!"

While another added: This space is open, friendly and safe for all. Please keep the cafe open."

Glasgow Times:

The closure was recently confirmed by store manager, Daniel Grime, who said: "We were very pleased to hear about the transformation, and we can’t wait to unveil our new look to our lovely customers later this year.

"Our Bishopbriggs makeover will deliver a bigger, better and fresher new-look food hall for shoppers and mark a significant investment for the local area.

"The way people shop is changing, and we are reshaping our store estate across Scotland to make sure we have the right design of stores in the right places.

"While these plans involve closing our in-store café, this allows us to transform the store to deliver the very best of M&S for our customers in Bishopbriggs, with a bigger range of iconic M&S product lines than ever before."

All store colleagues currently working in the café will move to work in the foodhall.

To sign the petition, click HERE