It is deeply sad that after 111 years of trading, the Walworth Road Marks and Spencer store will be closing its doors for the last time this Saturday. The store has always been at the heart of our community and during the pandemic was often a lifeline for lonely people with nowhere else to go. Together with the brilliant Walworth Society I have been fighting this closure, and today we handed over a petition with more than 3,500 signatures to an M&S representative. This is a small testament to just how cherished this store is, and just how sorely its loss will be felt in the community. I look forward to M&S’ plans to open a brand new shop nearby.