A PETITION has been set up to save the Wilko store in Shipley by the Bradford District Green Party.

Last month, Wilko announced that they were closing their Shipley store on Market Place. A Firm spokesperson briefed team members at this store that unless more favourable terms can be agreed with landlords, the store will close at the end of its lease in February.

Earlier this month, Shipley Town Council wrote to Wilko bosses asking what can be done to prevent the chain from closing its store in the town.

The petition has over 400 signatures and has proven to be a popular store for locals.

The Bradford District Green Party stated in the petition: “This will be a massive blow for our town centre- we know that Wilko is much-loved and needed by local people in Shipley and beyond.

“The Government has given Bradford Council money to regenerate the town centre- but losing one of our most important businesses would be a massive step backwards.

“If we want our town centre to thrive, we need a good mix of local independent stores and national retailers that are going to give people a reason to visit our town.

“We want Wilko to work with Bradford Council and the landlord to save our local store.”

The Shipley store will be one of 15 Wilko branches that will be closed the company has confirmed.

The petition can be signed here.