Residents are rallying behind a petition to save it
Tiverton Marks & Spencer
A café that has long served as a social hub is facing closure — and residents are rallying to save it.
Tessa Lawson has launched a petition to stop Marks & Spencer from shutting down its café inside the Tiverton store, describing it as a “cherished gathering place” relied upon by generations of locals.
In her petition on Change.org, Tessa wrote: “The café inside Marks and Spencer’s in Tiverton, Devon, holds a special place in my heart, as well as in the hearts of countless other community members and visitors. It’s not just any café; it’s a cherished gathering place, a community hub.”
She warned that many elderly residents who use the space for regular social interaction could be left isolated. “Many elderly residents, who rely on the café as a place of social interaction, will lose a vital social lifeline. Families with young children, who enjoy a friendly spot to rest during shopping trips, will face another blow,” she added.
Citing studies that show cafés help reduce loneliness and support mental health, she urged Marks & Spencer to consider “creative and sustainable solutions” rather than shuttering the site.
“The Tiverton community is vibrant and resilient. By banding together, we can show Marks and Spencer the true value of our café,” Tessa wrote. “Please help us protect this vital piece of our community by signing this petition. Your support is crucial in making our voices heard and preserving this cherished local treasure.”
Marks & Spencer confirmed that changes are under way at the store but has not given a specific closure date.
A spokesperson said: “We have some exciting changes planned for our Tiverton store and will be revealing more details soon. In the meantime, we are re-purposing our café space to offer a wider range of produce from our M&S Select Farms.”
The spokesperson acknowledged that the move “will be disappointing news for some customers” but added the store team would “continue working hard to serve them”.