A LONG-STANDING city centre shop which was earmarked for closure will be staying open, following a “public outcry.”

A petition was started calling for Thorntons chocolate shop in Commercial Street, Newport, to stay open, after news spread that the store was due to close.

Signs had gone up stating that the shop would be closing on April 29, advising customers that their nearest store would be in Cardiff.

But bosses at the chocolate shop, which has been based in Newport for around 20 years, have this week announced that they are reversing the decision, after signing a new lease.

Rachel Duke, who started the petition signed by more than 60 people, said she was delighted at the news.

“I was told by staff that they have signed a new lease for two years,” said Mrs Duke, from Caerleon, who visits the shop with her two children aged five and three.

“The decision was made possible due to the public outcry of the people of Newport who have expressed their views to Thorntons both by signing the petition and by speaking to the managers in the shop.

“The people have really rallied in the last few weeks and now we need people to continue supporting the shop so that it can stay open in the future.”

Mrs Duke said the store had agreed that its business rates will be lowered for the next two years.

She added; “It is a nice place to go, especially for children.

“My children go there at the weekend to get a weekly treat and look forward to going there because the staff are excellent and have that personal touch which makes it feel like home.

“It is also nice to keep traditional values and the shop has been a part of the city for around 20 years.”

She added the shop was a “kid’s dream” and hopes it will stay open for future generations to enjoy. Customers expressed sadness when news was announced that it was closing, with many commenting on the petition that it would be a great loss to the city. People praised staff at the shop as “friendly and personable” and said it would be “awful” for Newport to lose “a great asset.”

A spokeswoman for Thorntons said: “We can confirm that our store in Newport will remain open as a result of a new lease. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers in the local area.”