• For over 11 years, Poundland in Carlisle has been more than a workplace to us—it has become a home. Each morning, greeting our customers has brought us joy and fulfillment; a sense of community and belonging that is now under threat. I'm sure that many of you who visit Poundland regularly feel a similar attachment.

Poundland in Carlisle has served our community loyally by providing affordable products, bringing convenience in our daily lives, and supporting local economies through employment opportunities. The proposed closure of this store is distressing not only for the employees but for the entire community reliant on its services.

In Carlisle, where local shops are sparse and the cost of living continues to rise, the availability of affordable shopping solutions like Poundland is essential. Closing our store doesn't just mean the loss of jobs for the staff; it also reduces accessible shopping options for families trying to make their finances stretch further.

Statistics show that once vibrant high streets like ours are at risk of becoming "ghost towns," with shop closures increasing by a high percentage across the UK only last year, according to reports from Local Data Company. We cannot stand by and watch as Poundland becomes another statistic in this trend.

Therefore, we urge Poundland's management and Landlord to reconsider their decision to close our store. By exploring alternative business strategies such as adjusting store models, reducing other costs, or even negotiating rental agreements, we might preserve our community's vital resource.

Poundland’s presence in Carlisle should be seen not just in terms of profits and losses, but rather the heart of a community supported and enriched by its continued operation. Let us save our store, our jobs, and preserve the spirit of community that Poundland has fostered over the years. Please sign this petition to prevent the closure of our beloved store in Carlisle.