A SOUTH Wales branch of M&S is closing, it has been announced.

Following the news that the Leckwith store is to close tis doors for good, a Vale of Glamorgan councillor has set up a petition to save the branch.

However, Allison Jenkins, M&S regional manager, said: "Shopping habits are changing and we’re reshaping our store estate across the UK to make sure we’re reflecting the needs of our customers.

"As part of this transformation, we have today announced to colleagues our proposal to close the M&S Cardiff Capital store in Leckwith, based at the Capital Shopping Park to the west of the city in early autumn this year.

"Our priority now is to talk to our colleagues about what this announcement means for them and wherever possible, offer them alternative roles with M&S. This has been a tough decision and we understand some people will be disappointed by this news.

"We are committed to our customers in Cardiff and these plans mean we can invest in our four other stores in this region.”

Cllr for Llandough ward George Carroll said that several residents have contacted him to express concerns about the planned closure of the Marks & Spencer store at Leckwith. He has set up a petition titled 'Save Leckwith M&S!'.

He told the Argus: "The M&S store in Leckwith is very popular with Llandough residents, especially those without access to a car.

"I use the store most weeks and it always seems busy. The staff are always very helpful and are extremely polite.

"The petition has only been up a couple of days, but it has over 150 signatures already.

"We need to show M&S the demand is there and that it makes business sense for them to keep the store open".

He said he organised the petition to demonstrate the strength of feeling locally.

You can see the petition here.