A MAJOR retailer could open a food outlet in an empty unit on Weston’s Flowerdown Retail Park.

A spokesman for Marks & Spencer said the store is exploring the possibility of opening a shop, and the Mercury understands it is looking at the former Comet shop, which closed at Christmas.

A spokesman for Marks & Spencer said: “Head office is currently considering a M&S Simply Food store at Flowerdown Retail Park, but it is yet to be confirmed.

“They will be able to confirm or deny these rumours in a few weeks’ time.”

In July, rumours began circulating that the retailer was looking to move into Tesco’s Station Road store - if the supermarket were to move out of town.

A Marks & Spencer store is currently located in the High Street and Sovereign Shopping Centre manager Nick Cooke said he sees no reason why that would change.

He said: “My understanding is that, a couple of years ago, M&S had some idea of extending into the first floor (of its existing building).

“That idea was put on hold at the start of the economic downturn and we would be keen for M&S to resurrect those plans.

“The shop here has a lot of space which is not utilised and they could expand into the first floor.

“I find Flowerdown a strange location as it is very congested. As far as I know M&S will stay in the town centre and until we hear any different it is not worth worrying about.”

Fowerdown Retail Park, off Aisecome Way, is currently home to, among others, a Frankie and Benny’s restaurant, Costa coffee shop, B&Q, Aldi and large Sports Direct outlet.