On 7 Jan 2025 plans were lodged with Wyre Council for a brand new M&S Foodhall on land off Norcross roundabout, at the top side of the vets.

It comes after concerns in 2017 when plans were lodged for Norcross Retail Site - which was later shelved in favour of housing. 

Their documents state that the existing store at Victoria Road West, Cleveleys (whose lease expires in Jan 26) is a "compromised offer" which "no longer provides a quality shopping experience" and is "considered to be potentially brand damaging." At 29% of the size they would like, the plan is to close the Cleveleys store and move lock-stock and barrel to Norcross. 

Apparently M&S have been deluged with complaints since this news broke so there may be a glimmer of hope for the store to remain open. It makes so much sense on many levels:

• It's a fantastically well trading store and one of their best
• In a busy town with a bus stop outside the door
• Used daily by people who don't have their own transport
• Despite what the applicant thinks, Norcross isn't easily accessible by public transport so many people WON'T be able to use it
• It's a vital part of the Cleveleys town centre offer.

Cleveleys and it's surrounding area has a higher than average retirement population who shop regularly at this store. Many people pop in 2 or 3 times a week, spending £20-30 but wouldn't make the journey to Norcross, so M&S will lose as much trade as they gain. It also draws many people into the town each day, many of whom go on to visit businesses and food outlets. This trade will disappear.

We believe there is enough trade to keep an M&S Foodhall open in Cleveleys, even if the new store is built.

AND.... their documents say that there is no viable alternative within the town centre, Millstores having taken the former Wilko unit. But the Hesketh Cars site is for sale and that would be an ideal brown field site, right in the middle of the town with on-street parking (once their 100+ stock of cars is removed from the spaces they occupy on neighbouring side streets). It could be a 2 storey building and, I'd have thought, fulfil all their requirements. Plus it would be a brilliant improvement in the town centre.

A lot of work is done by a lot of people to keep Cleveleys vibrant and an attractive town centre for residents of the Fylde Coast and loss of a vital community resource will be a big blow. When all of these facilities are gone it's too late.

Do you Care for Cleveleys?

I've created this petition on behalf of Care for Cleveleys - the voluntary group which does so much to keep this lovely town vibrant and popular. You can find all about just what Care for Cleveleys does on Facebook and on the website www.CleveleysTCG.org.uk. 

Closure of high street names shows what a thin line we walk between a busy and useful town centre and one that's like so many others across the UK - struggling to cope, with empty units and few shoppers. It's why we can't afford to be complacent and expect Cleveleys to always be popular - like anything successful we have to work at it. Please join Care for Cleveleys and help. Not only is it productive and making a big difference, it's also great fun! If you can't physically help you could help by making a donation. A few pounds each month goes a long way to covering running costs like insurance. Everything we do is covered by fundraising and donations. Find out about donating to Care for Cleveleys here. 

We work hard to keep the town a vibrant, attractive place to visit - and this means that footfall is consistently high throughout the year. We keep the town busy but we need retailers and businesses to help too. We can't do it all on our own. Don't just pull out of town because its good for your bottom line, put that 'social and corporate responsibility' into action that you're all so fond of talking about.

Please sign the petition and keep an M&S Foodhall in Cleveleys.

You can also comment on the Planning Application at this link