Hundreds of people will march through Portishead today (Saturday) amid concerns for jobs in the town.

The future of Old Mill Road is in doubt, with all the independent businesses in the area being told their leases will not be renewed past March 2019, meaning many fear going bust.

Standard Life Investments is pursuing a scheme for flats and leisure facilities – as reported by the Times earlier the week – but the idea has been met with a lot of concern within the community.

MORE: Leaked Standard Life scheme for Old Mill Road show cinema and flats planned.

The march will set off from the Folk Hall, in High Street, at 1pm and the campaigners will head towards Old Mill Road.

Ryan Peake, who owns Ryans Garage among other businesses in Old Mill Road, is urging the community to join and support their efforts.

He said killing off successful companies for housing would be ‘utter madness’ and would see the town lose hundreds of jobs.

Ryan added: “Standard Life is trying to turn Portishead into a city.”