THE decision by Marks & Spencer to open a new out-of-town food store has got Mercury readers talking.

Flowerdown Retail Park looks set to welcome the major retailer which wants to replace the former Comet store on the outskirts of Weston.

While the move will create about 60 jobs, concerns about the impact on the town centre have been raised.

Here are a few of the messages you have left on the Mercury’s website and social media pages when we asked if people were happy at the news:

? “Cheered my day up that bit of news. Love their products and good customer service.” – Heidi Griffin.

? “As long as the one in the town centre stays. If that closes then it will be dead in town. Shame they can’t build a new one in Dolphin Square.” – Ricki Burrows.

? “Hopefully the existing M&S in town will stay but people also need to know there are many independent businesses in town selling a wide variety of unique products. Just look around Grove Village, Meadow Street, etc. I welcome the out-of-town stores but there is much more to town than you may initially think.” – Claire Short.

? “Whilst I welcome an out-of-town M&S food outlet, will there be enough car spaces at peak periods - many have been removed to cater for new businesses?

“Will traffic feeding in and out of an already congested roundabout be tailed all the way back into the retail site’s car park? I hope infrastructure changes come with this planning permission.” – Mukiwa.

? “Hmm. OK but the one in town must stay. You will completely kill the town otherwise.” – Ron Bennett.

Got an opinion you would like to share? Contribute to this discussion and plenty more at www.westonmercury.co.uk or by ‘liking’ the Mercury’s Facebook page.