THOUSANDS of people have lobbied Primark to come to Weston off the back of the Mercury’s front page story last week.

A Facebook group created on Tuesday, hours after the story went online, drew in dozens of positive messages.

As the Mercury went to press more than 3,600 people have signed up to the group asking the High Street retailer to come to Weston, with the numbers climbing all the time.

Last week town centre manager Steve Townsend called for Weston residents to email Primark’s bosses and ask them to bring the chain to the resort.

He said that if Primark moved into the derelict TJ Hughes building – which has stood empty for nearly two years – then the whole town would be revitalised.

Mr Townsend said he could not understand why the firm would not be interested in coming to a growing town and his calls were backed by Soveriegn Centre manager Nick Cooke and BID chairman Paul Batts.

The trio called on shoppers to email Primark and tell them that it is needed in Weston and thousands have taken up the mantle.

Within 12 hours of a Facebook page called Primark to Open in Westonsupermare opening, attracted 3,000 supporters.

Caroline Davis summed up most people’s views when she said: “We need a decent affordable clothes shop instead of having to go to Bristol.”

Sarah Herbert-Smart agreed saying: “It would be good for Weston. There are not enough shops for the younger age bracket.”

Primark has been linked with moving to Weston regularly in recent months with both the TJ Hughes building and Dolphin Square rumoured destinations.

However the firm has so far not made plans to come to the resort and refuses to comment on speculation regarding new stores.

Shoppers who want to contact Primark can email enquiries@primark.ie