'This isn't just any M&S Cafe' - Harrogate MP launches campaign to save lifeline space for elderly and disabled people

The intervention by Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon was triggered by scores of elderly residents writing to him, saying that the café in M&S on Leeds Road, one of the few fully accessible locations in the area, was vital for them to socialise in and useful for parents.

The residents particularly value the space at M&S's Oatlands foodhall because it is equipped with step-free access, disabled parking bays and accessible toilets and changing facilities.

M&S has announced it will be closing the café as part of a nationwide closure programme, although it said no jobs will be lost.

“This isn't just any M&S cafe; it’s a great accessible space for elderly and disabled people to socialise and enjoy,” said Lib Dem MP Tom Gordon.

“If you’re 90 years old and carrying heavy shopping on foot, going to an alternative café isn’t really an option.

“It’s important that we support small businesses to become more accessible, but a lot of them are in space-limited, old buildings and getting rid of one of the few accessible venues in the meantime won’t solve that.”

An M&S spokesperson had previously said that, while it understood the loss of the café would be “disappointing news for some”, it wanted customers to be able to shop a wider range of M&S Food products.

“After reviewing our Harrogate Oatlands foodhall, we have some exciting new changes planned,” they said.

"We are re-purposing our café space to offer more fresh produce from our Select Farm partners and deliver an improved in-store bakery.”

Tom Gordon MP has now published an open letter to the company, asking that they reconsider the closure of the café or explore alternative seating arrangements on account of it being a “valued third space” and “communal hub”.

The letter has already been signed by more than 300 residents.

The nearest remaining Harrogate M&S café will be at the Cambridge Street store.