As a decades-long resident of Broughton with children and an elderly parent, the impending closure of our valued Clarks shop is deeply concerning to me and to many in our community. This shop has stood in Broughton Retail Park for nearly three decades, becoming a cherished establishment where we've regularly sourced school shoes and other footwear. For families like ours, losing this shop means losing a vital resource and undertaking significant travel to seek similar quality and service.

Clarks is not just a shop. It symbolizes familiarity, trust, and the kind of personal service that exists often in local stores like ours. For elderly residents, access to local services is particularly crucial. In the UK, over 11.9 million people are aged 65 and above, many of whom face mobility challenges (Age UK). This store's closure would, indeed, effectively limit their access to essential footwear.

Moreover, the retail industry remains a key employer—around 2.9 million people across the UK (British Retail Consortium), making closures a blow to our local economy. This shop has served our community not only as a reliable supplier of goods but also as a good neighbor, contributing to the area’s vibrancy and employment.

We challenge the decision to close the Clarks shop in Broughton Retail Park and urge those in power to consider the impact on the community and the retail workforce. We ask decision-makers to take a second look, reconsider and ultimately, protect this valued store from closure. Please, sign our petition and help us Stop the Closure of Clarks in Broughton Retail Park.