Jeremy Corbyn joined the Islington council leader and business chief for a meeting with Marks and Spencer chiefs over the closure of its Holloway Road store.
The decision to close the store, one of 14 across the UK set to shut, has not gone down well in the area, and the Labour leader, who lives nearby, was one of the people to speak out.
On Friday he, leader Cllr Richard Watts and Cllr Asima Shaikh met to discuss the store’s future. Cllr Shaikh said while they were all disappointed at the news, their aim was to make sure the Nag’s Head shopping area continued to thrive and they would be working with M&S to ensure another retailer takes on the shop.
“Our meeting was helpful and we were able to secure important commitments from them,” she said. “Staff will be found work at alternative branches, and two new M&S food stores due to open in Archway and Finsbury Park will employ local unemployed people.
“We will remain in close contact with M&S to ensure they stick to these commitments for the benefit of local people.”
The Archway store is set to open in Hill House, the redeveloped block next to the station, next year.
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