Petition launched after Teddington residents 'shocked' by news of M&S cafe closure

The cafe - which parents have described as being at the heart of the community for families, young children, and the elderly for more than five years, will stay open until the end of April.

Martin Hodges, a volunteer at the Greenwood Center in Hampton Hill, said: "I went into the cafe for my regular tea and cake when I saw a little notice by the counter which said that the cafe was shutting for good.

"We do not know when the closure will take place but we are shocked.

"For older people the cafe has been a bright and open space for them to go and have a chat with some cake."

A housing manager from Teddington, who asked not to be named told exclusively told the Richmond & Twickenham Times about a petition, that had been created by another customer, to challenge the closure and since February 26, it has gathered 700 signatures.

When asked why a petition was started, she said: "The closure will affect residents living in the area.

"M&S is a community resource that is widely accessible to disabled residents, the elderly and parents.

"We were told that the cafe would be closing so that the store could make room for a bakery and a click & collect service.

"It is going to be a huge loss for Teddington's community."

Richmond & Twickenham Times reached out to M&S who confirmed that the cafe in Teddington would be closing this year.

The Spokesperson for M&S said: “We appreciate that this will be disappointing for some café customers and we are very grateful for their regular custom over the years.

"However, the changes will allow us to improve the store layout to make it easier to shop and quicker for customers to pick up Click and Collect orders.

"We will also be able to offer a wider range of frozen products, and a new in-store bakery will mean a bigger selection of baked goods for customers.”

The M&S cafe will remain open until the end of April and the official closing date is yet to be confirmed.