New life for old Woolies

Two of the last remaining empty Woolworths stores in Shropshire could soon be reopening, it was revealed today.

Bargain discount store Poundstretcher is to open up in High Street, Whitchurch, in the New Year, creating 12 jobs. Bosses say they expect to take possession of the site in January.

And the Telford Shopping Centre store is also receiving interest from retailers, although centre owners Hark say it is too early to say what store will be opening up in its place.

Martin Collinson, of Poundstretcher, said: "We'll be taking possession of the Whitchurch store in the second week of January.

"We have started the recruitment process and ideally we would have liked to have had the store open before Christmas but red tape has slowed down the process."

The chain has already taken over several former Woolworths sites in the last six months.

"A lot of them are too big for us, and its important we get stores at the right rent. We will be selling toiletries, food products and a range of household and kitchen items and a limited clothing offer," Mr Collinson said.

The lease for the Telford site is currently still held by the administrators for Woolworths.