THE WORST fears of many have been confirmed after Marks and Spencer (M and S) have applied to close their “poorly performing town centre store.”

The information came in the form of an application in the planning page of the Harlow Council web site.

The application indicates that they company is seeking permission to convert a former electronics store next to Cineworld at the Queensgate Centre in Edinburgh Way to one that will allow the sale of food, drink and other goods. The plan also includes the provision of a cafe.

The application states that: “Marks and Spencer’s proposals at Harlow differ from other new Simply Food stores in that their intention is to open a new Simply Food store concurrently with closing their poorly performing town centre store.

“This reflects that, based on their town centre store trading experience and assessment of catchment area potential, M&S have concluded that Harlow cannot sustain a successful M&S general mechandise (i.e. non-food) offer but has the potential for a successful Simply Food business.”