Four firms in Woolies race

Three national companies are vying with a local firm to take over the lease at the former Woolworths in Cannock.

The store closed its doors in Market Place after falling sales across the group on January 6, with the loss of 45 jobs. Two of the chains interested in the store, which is in a prime location, are said to be "pound shop" retailers. A third is a general store.

David Charlton, acting as agent, said he is hopeful a decision will be made shortly to get the unit back into use.

He said: "There have been two offers and firm interest from another two parties.

"I am expecting a decision from my client very soon, and hopefully we can make an announcement on the new tenant within two to three weeks."

Rugeley's Woolworths, in Lower Brook Street, which shed 32 jobs when it closed in January, also lies empty but could soon be occupied.

David Bower for Jenkins and Law, which is handling negotiations, said: "We are still talking to interested parties. We have narrowed it down to a couple and are now negotiating with them, so hopefully we can fill the vacant store in the not too distant future."

The interest in the Cannock store is a welcome boost after the news last month that the town centre's main shopping complex had gone into receivership.

Directors of property consultants GVA Grimley, appointed receiver for Cannock Shopping Centre, pledged that the 35 shops would continue to trade as normal for the time being.

Meanwhile, Cannock Market Hall is defying the recession with occupancy at 98.5 per cent, with 59 stalls covering 46 trades, well above the national average of 75 per cent.

Shops to disappear from Cannock town centre during the past 12 months include butchers Walter Smith, children's clothing store Adams, photographic shop Max Spielmann and Firkins bakery.

By Nick Pritchard