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Ex-PM backs weekly’s campaign to save supermarket

A former Prime Minister is backing a weekly newspaper’s campaign to save almost 200 jobs threatened by a supermarket closure.

The Fife Free Press has launched a bid to stop the Tesco store in Kirkcaldy from being closed down, with ex-PM Gordon Brown also joining the fight.

Yesterday the FFP published an open letter to Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis, urging him to keep the supermarket open and save the 189 jobs at risk.

Kirkcaldy was one of 43 stores threatened with closure by the company last week as part of plans to cut costs.

Fife

The idea of the FFP penning the letter, which readers can sign and send themselves, was touted at a public meeting which was attended by so many people that Mr Brown, the town’s MP, was among those having to relay information from the hall to the foyer outside.

The newspaper’s coverage of the story has resulted in it achieving its biggest social media reach.

Allan Crow, FFP editor, said: “Of all the 43 closures across the UK, Kirkcaldy has probably taken the strongest stand against Tesco – it’s good to see people stand up for their town centre and show they really care.

“We know changing Tesco’s mind is a massive task, even more so since it is working to an eight-week closure plan, but the town isn’t giving up without a fight.”

Mr Brown has brokered a possible deal with Fife Council and other stakeholders to offer Tesco a one-off rent-free period as breathing space, to which the company has yet to respond, as well as asking the authority to review its business rates.

Urging readers to join the campaign, Mr Brown said: “With just eight weeks to change their mind I am acting quickly with a proposal to Tesco.

“I want to pay tribute to the dignity of all the 189 Tesco workforce and staff who continue to serve the people of Kirkcaldy.

“Kirkcaldy has been good to Tesco. Now it’s time for Tesco to be good to Kirkcaldy.

“The plan the council will offer to Tesco will be more detailed but I think already we see scope to persuade Tesco to lift the threat of execution.”

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