North East Herts MP, Oliver Heald, has pressed the case to keep Morrisons open in Royston in a detailed discussion with Chief Executive David Potts CBE.
Oliver pointed out the importance of the store to the town centre, the quality of the staff, the excellent treatment of the elderly by staff, the fact that the store is well situated for people who live in the town and offered to help with any issues which might assist the company to continue at the town centre site.
Mr Potts explained that the landlord, Unilever Pension Fund, was negotiating in a fair and constructive manner but said that the company is considering closure because of trading conditions at the store. It is clearly important that the store has adequate footfall and discussion took place as to whether the parking arrangements could be improved to help shoppers. Oliver agreed to ask North Hertfordshire District Council to discuss this with the company. He also agreed to press for a continuation of the current business rates holiday.
Commenting, Oliver said "This is an important store for Royston town centre and I have now had separate discussions with the Head of Assets, Michael Lambert, and the Chief Executive, David Potts, and I will continue to press the case. I hope that it may be possible for NHDC to discuss the parking arrangements with the store as well."