SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons has confirmed it will close its store in Shirley.
The final day of trading will be Sunday November 3.
A spokesman for Morrisons said: “Following a consultation we have decided to close our store in Shirley. We have looked at a variety of options for the future of the store but none gave us any confidence.
“Our aim now is to reduce any job losses through redeployment of our highly valuable staff. The final day of trading will be November 3rd.”
Councillor Mark Parker, ward member (Con) for Shirley East, who organised a petition against the closure, said: “I am very disappointed that Morrisons has made the decision to close the store. It was the wrong decision. I thank everybody who have positively supported the campaign to save the store and we did everything we can and doing nothing was not an option.
“Shirley is a very busy and vibrant town centre that has seen and continues to see multi million pound investment. That investment whether in commercial premises such as Parkgate or residential such as the £37 million pound development at Solihull Extra Care Village.
“This meant that many potential derelict desolate sites that would’ve attracted tumble weed has been averted. This investment will underpin and sustain the vibrancy of the High Street for many years to come.
“The council is committed to developing Shirley town centre through its economic plan, with plans in place for wildlife ways, the business improvement district and cleaner public transport.
“It will mean Morrisons will miss out on the evolution of Shirley as the footfall increases and gives better accessibility to the shopping area.”
Morrisons took over the supermarket from Safeway in 2005. The store occupies the site of the former Odeon cinema in Shirley.
