TOWN leaders have vowed to fight to save Marks & Spencer in Scunthorpe after the firm announced plans to close the High Street store.

The retail giant said the Scunthorpe store has become commercially unviable and could be closed next year, with the loss of 36 jobs.

But North Lincolnshire Council leaders have arranged to sit down with the company to offer 'support' in an attempt to persuade it to stay in town.

And the Telegraph has added its support to the bid.

Council leader, Councillor Mark Kirk, said: "This is sad news and a real blow to the town. M&S has been in the town for many years and will be missed by many shoppers.

"We are doing all we can to persuade the company to stay here, but understand its decision during these tough economic times.

"We have already contacted the company and will be meeting with them in the next few days to see if there is any support we can offer."

A Marks & Spencer spokeswoman said there is no set time period for the consultation, but if it is decided the store will close it is likely to happen in early 2011.

Graeme Pallant, Marks & Spencer head of region, said: "Unfortunately our Scunthorpe store has had declining sales and profits for more than three years and therefore we believe it is no longer commercially viable.

"This is not a proposal we have made lightly and we believe we have looked at every available option to keep the store open, including modernisation.

"We recognise this is a difficult time for our employees and we will be working closely to support them throughout the consultation process."

Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin said he was surprised by the announcement and vowed to do all he could to help fight the closure plan.

"It's a blow for the area and particularly for the people whose livelihoods depend on the store," he said.

"I will work with the council to do what we can to support the situation and see if there's any way M&S will reconsider the decision, although I appreciate they are a business and make their decisions for commercial reasons."