A HUNDRED years after the death of the Skipton man who founded Marks & Spencer, the company is widely rumoured to be considering opening a store in the town.

The Craven Herald understands the High Street giant is in advanced negotiations for a food hall in Thanet's Yard, off Jerry Croft.

It is believed negotiations are ongoing between M&S and the owners of the former site, Pennine Motors, although a spokesman for the firm declined to comment.

M&S has never had a store in Skipton despite the fact one of its founders, Tom Spencer, hails from the town.

Born in 1851, Mr Spencer lived in a house at the back of the building now occupied by Woolworths.

A plaque on the wall of Woolworth's marks the spot.

As a young man he moved to Leeds and found work with Isaac Dewhurst, the owner of a warehouse in the city. He eventually became a cashier and one of his customers was Michael Marks, a peddler who sold goods around numerous villages.

In 1894 the duo set up business together. Mr Spencer, who invested £300 for a half-share of the company, managed the office and warehouse while Mr Marks continued to run the market stalls.

By 1897 their business empire had grown to include 36 stores up and down the country.

A year later Mr Spencer's initial capital was worth over £4,500.

In 1903 Marks & Spencer became a limited company and Mr Spencer's £300 investment was now worth £15,000.

He decided to retire from the business later that year and purchased a farm in Lichfield. He died on July 25 1905.

A century later the company is a household name and one of the UK's leading retailers of clothing, food, home products and financial services.

Additionally it has 155 stores managed under franchise in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East and nine wholly owned stores in Hong Kong.

Yet despite its far flung outlets, Skipton has been a 'Marks and Sparks' free zone, the nearest outlet being in Keighley.

With its prestigious brand name, many feel the arrival of a Marks and Spencer food hall in Skipton would provide a strong vote of confidence in the town's economic future.

Head of economic and community development at Craven District Council, David Smurthwaite said he believed there was the potential for M&S opening a foodstall in Thanet's Yard, but did not think anything had been set in stone.

He added that it showed Skipton attracted the confidence of big, national chains which raised the profile of the town and added to the mix of shops.

Building work has already started at Thanet's Yard to turn the old Pennine Motors bus depot and associated buildings into a development comprising retail space, office and residential accommodation with parking.

The owner, Norman Simpson, has recently submitted an amendment to the approved plans.

He said he could not give any details about the proposed occupants of the site.

The amended plans include raising the roof level and rebuilding an old stone barn on the site, rather than salvaging it.

Skipton Town Council has looked at the revised plans and objected to them.

It stated: "Of particular concern is the apparent 'grille' on the south elevation which would be visible above the old wall. The committee welcomes the re-opening of the ancient pedestrian access through Thanet's Yard, but notices that there are proposed gates and wonder how public access will be achieved.

"The committee regrets the demolition of the old barn whilst recognising the need. The committee hopes that no more will be demolished than necessary for public safety."

Skipton Civic Society also has concerns about the proposed amendments.

Secretary Gwynne Walters said: "The loss of the barn, a piece of old Skipton, in order to satisfy the demands of a modern retailer is to be regretted."

The plans are now due to go before a meeting of Craven District Council.