By Wilko closure met with anger and frustration
Retailer Wilko has issued an official statement following the announcement of plans to close its store on St Peters Avenue, Cleethorpes.
A branch in Scunthorpe is also one of 15 stores across the country set to close this year.
According to the company, the decision comes as result of leases which are nearing their end, adding that favourable terms have not been agreed with the landlord.
The company have now issued an official statement.
A spokesperson said; “Wilko has, with regret briefed its team members in Cleethorpes of the decision to close the store because favourable lease terms cannot be agreed with the landlord.
“We have been looking at our options, but the reality is that we have been unable to reach an agreement with the landlord that makes this store commercially viable.”
Roger Jenkins, GMB National Officer, added:
“These closures are devastating for Wilko workers and the communities who use them.
“It’s yet another nail in the High Street’s coffin and GMB calls on councils and landlords to review commercial leases and offer lower rents.
“Empty high streets and shopping centres are in no one’s interest and but with 400 shops a week closing, this is inevitable – unless the costs of premises can be reduced.
“GMB will now meet with Wilko members to discuss our next steps.”
The decision to close another local high street store has been met with anger and frustration from locals who have now launched a petition in a bid to prevent the store’s closure.
One resident said: “This town has lost so many shops already. The council needs to do something to support the Wilko store staying in Cleethorpes.
“Some of their focus needs to shift onto Cleethorpes to demonstrate that they are as truly committed to the preservation of the town.”
Another added: “This is a huge loss, the store is always so busy and not everybody is able to travel to Grimsby to seek an alternative. People will just shop online and the high street will continue to decline.”
Several members of staff took to social media to express their frustration at having found out about the stores closure and the loss of their jobs via Facebook.
The Cleethorpes store is set to close on the 1st of October.
The nearest alternatives are on Freeman Street and Bull Ring Lane in Grimsby.
Contact Gi Grimsby
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation
