PEOPLE of Bradford have been suggesting what company they would like to see move into The Broadway when Marks & Spencer leaves the shopping centre next month. 

The retail giant yesterday confirmed to the Telegraph & Argus that its prominent store at the shopping centre will shut on May 18.

Residents have been expressing their sadness since the news was revealed. 

A spokesperson for The Broadway said there was currently no information to share about the future of the huge unit following the closure of Marks & Spencer. 

Today, the Telegraph & Argus asked readers on Facebook what they would like to see replace Marks & Spencer - and here are some of the suggestions. 

Helen Hannan said: "I'd like to see a John Lewis or similar."

Evelīna Liepiņa said: "Waitrose."

Julie Trigg said: "Zara or Mango."

Andrew Hall said: "Wetherspoons."

Paul Mann said: "B&M."

Glen McMahons said: "Dunhelm would be OK."

Alan Longley said: "Iceland, Farmfoods, Poundstretcher - the list is endless."

Ranjit Singh said: "Move TK Maxx and Homesense into that space."

Aden Ashworth said: "A Morrisons."

Kayleigh Glossglow said: "A beauty outlet, selling cosmetics at a really reasonable price."

Jamie Roberts said: "Something different - a laser quest, rock climbing, mini golf, an indoor skydiving place."

Alison Jayne Knight said: "Divide the shop up and let local, small businesses have the space."

A number of people suggested Primark - but it has already confirmed it is due to move from its current unit in the Kirkgate Shopping Centre into the former Debenhams site in The Broadway.

Many others said the Marks & Spencer should not be closing in the first place. 

Vickie Smith, Marks & Spencer regional manager, told the Telegraph & Argus: "We would like to thank all customers who have shopped with us at our Bradford Broadway store.

"The store will close on May 18 and we are continuing discussions with colleagues about what this decision means for them.

"Wherever possible, we will offer them alternative roles with M&S.

"Shopping habits are changing and so we're rotating our store estate to make sure we have the right stores in the right place and with the right space."

She added: "Bradford remains a hugely important city for M&S and, in the last 10 years, we've invested more than £120million in our Bradford distribution centre, which employs over 1,800 people."