Eleanor Smith MP vows to fight Beatties closure
A Wolverhampton MP says she will fight to stop any possible plan to close the city's Beatties department store.
Wolverhampton South West MP Eleanor Smith says the House of Fraser store is a 'vital part' of the city.
The company has revealed plans to closure some branches earlier this week. But it has not said which ones could shut.
It follows a major restructuring deal that will see the company's owner Nanjing Cenbest sell its controlling stake.
Wolverhampton council is already liaising with managers at the store to understand the situation and offer support.
Ms Smith said: "Wolverhampton has been hit by the closure of a major employer already this year.
"It would be terrible if the city was hit again.
"Discussion about the future of department store Beatties represents an opportunity to stress the strengths of this City - the talent, the passion, and ambition of the population; and the opportunity to fight for its future."
She described Beatties as an 'institution' to Wolverhampton.
She said: "The building is iconic. It’s a landmark, a meeting place, a vital part of City life.
"The owners of parent company House of Fraser are investigating closing some stores, but I will be working with Wolverhampton council to do all we can to make sure House of Fraser’s owners know it would be short-sighted to include this branch in any list of potential closures.
"I am determined to explore every option available to Wolverhampton to promote it as a place to do business. I am working very hard to attract new employers to our city."
She is working with West Midlands Combined Authority, Department for Work and Pensions, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and Black Country Chamber of Commerce to promote Wolverhampton.
