Hundreds of people have signed an online petition to save Woolwich’s 100-year-old M&S store.

News Shopper revealed last week how the Powis Street outlet shop could shut its doors as early as August under cost-cutting plans.

Greenwich Council have hit out at the plans, while ward councillor John Fahy, the borough's new deputy leader, has also fired off an angry email, urging a rethink and asking why there was no mention of the closure when plans were put trough for a new M&S superstore up the road in Charlton.

The online petition, which appears to have been started by staff, reads: “It is devastating news for not only the loyal 53 staff members but for the entire
community and the high street as we are considered to be the heart Of Woolwich Town Centre.”

One person who signed up, claiming to be a Woolwich employee, wrote: “Save our store!!!! It's not just a store you’re closing down, you’re splitting our family up.”

Another supporter wrote: “I find it quite unbelievable that the Woolwich store is to be considered for closure.

“It is without question the only quality store left in Woolwich and you are getting more and more people coming to and living in Woolwich who are M&S customers of many years standing.

“It makes no sense M&S have to spend some money update like you have in other towns in not right to leave us out where’s your loyalty to long term loyal customers?

“Give us a better store and see how things change. I used to be able to get so much in the store changing it to an outlet has never been the answer quality store like the others in our general area please.”

A spokesman for M&S said last week: "Our outlet clearance business needs fewer stores because more people are shopping online at mandsoutlet.com and our clothing team is managing stock levels better than ever before.

"Therefore, after much consideration, we have made a proposal to close our M&S outlet store in Woolwich and the top floor M&S outlet operation at our store in Lewisham.

"If the proposal goes ahead, all 80 colleagues will be offered positions in other M&S stores."

To sign the petition click here.