‘A body blow for Peterborough’: City reacts as John Lewis announces store closure

The John Lewis department store is one of the flagship shops in Peterborough city centre, and hundreds of jobs are under threat as a result of the announcement.

After The Peterborough Telegraph broke the news this morning, hundreds of comments have been left on social media, with people devastated by the loss - and concerned about what the future may hold for the city centre, and Queensgate.

Toby Wood tweeted: “I have lived in Peterborough all my life and this is a body blow for the city. It is no good trying to say otherwise, this is a disaster. Forward thinking and planning is vital now for the city’s future, not just short term fixes.”

Darrin Clarke was equally concerned for the future and tweeted: “Sadly Peterborough has always been slow on the uptake of Regeneration of shopping in the City & ultimately this is the final nail in the coffin”

Steve Norman summed up many people’s thoughts, saying it was ‘a sad day for the city.’

Carrie Freeman also spoke for many Peterborough residents when she tweeted about childhood memories of going into the store. She said; “Gutted to hear this, never should have revamped it. It was good as it was, many childhood memories of shopping there with my Grandma. I will miss the cafe and the fact the toilets were always clean, and free. Very sad news for all the staff after this last year too.”

On Facebook, Michelle Harrison spoke of her concerns for the future of the high street. She said; “Everything will be online soon and there won’t be a town it will all be houses houses houses and no where to go apart from your back garden if you have one.”

Ryan Hounsell said: “That is a hammer blow to the city. Sad day.”

Jeremy Bussoopun said the city should do all it could to keep the store open. He said; “Give them free rent for a year or something to make them stay. This is a disaster for Peterborough and Queensgate a fallen giant.”

Ian Sampson added that the news meant other developments in the city had even more importance due to the closure. He said; “Very sad news for the staff ..The regeneration of the Embankment with a University and Football/Events Stadium is even more critical now ..The footfall through the centre of town will cut dramatically if not”

Kerim Quinn wrote that the decision would impact her family. She said; “they can’t do that.. thats the best store in borough to my nan anyways lol my nan n grandad love going there every few weeks. Now what they going to do”

Susanne Myall was one of many to offer their thoughts to all the staff impacted by the decision. She said; “Also a virtual hug to all the staff for the future, these consultations are a horrible business. Have made quite a few purchases through that store, returned again and again because of the great service we’ve had.”

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