EIGHT months has passed and still there is no update on the future of the boarded-up Marks and Spencer unit in High Street.

What was the town’s sole department store has been left empty since April, but the nationwide retailer continues to remain silent on any progress to find a replacement tenant.

Marks and Spencer’s leasehold on 58 High Street will continue until March 31, 2027.

When contacted by the Advertiser, an M&S spokesperson said: “We are continuing to market the property in Andover, and we will update the community on this when we can.”

The statement comes four months after community group Our Andover enquired about using the space for an emporium and was told that M&S was in “advanced talks with a major retailer”.

Our Andover director David Coole said: “They explained that M&S was in advanced negotiations with a major retailer with a view to taking on the whole site and gave the impression that they were very close to signing contracts.

“We asked that if the negotiations fell through, could they contact us to see if we could come to some arrangement.

“They confirmed they would and that in this event, it might be possible to arrange a short term let.

“It is really quite tragic that the M&S premises still remain empty after all these months.

“The residents of Andover and surrounding villages have been loyal supporters of M&S for 81 years and it would be wonderful if M&S could now give something back to them.”

When contacted by the Advertiser over this information an M&S spokesperson said there were “no updates” at this time.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North said: “It is obviously frustrating that the unit remains empty. However, the onus is on Marks and Spencer and their landlord to secure a new tenant as they have a significant amount of time left on their current lease.

“We understand that Marks and Spencer is doing all is can to let the store as quickly as possible. Like all local residents and businesses, we hope that they are able to secure a new tenant in the near future.”