Bargains chain swoops for prime site
Bargain retailer Poundland is set to take over the former Woolworths store in Cannock town centre.
The unit, on a prime location in Market Place, has been empty since the former high street favourite closed in January with the loss of 45 jobs.
David Charlton, of agents Jones Lang Lasalle, confirmed that Poundland had won the battle for the lease.
Work will soon begin on fitting out the store and it is expected to open by September.
Cannock Chase Council leader Neil Stanley said: "It is much better that the town centre will have a major store at its heart, rather than it sitting empty.
"It will be creating some jobs to compensate for those lost when Woolworths closed.
"Linked in with the announcement that Tesco will be anchoring the redevelopment plans in Hednesford and is very intent on opening a new superstore in Rugeley, plus businesses springing up at The Lightworks in Hednesford, it seems good news is finally returning to the district."
Councillor Stanley added: "There is still a lot of work to do and we can't become complacent."
Poundland has opened a store in Stafford's Guildhall Shopping Centre, creating 30 jobs and employing 13 former Woolies staff who lost their posts when the Gaolgate Street store closed.
The store chain has been thriving during the recession as shoppers hunt for bargains.
Other businesses which have opened in Cannock include Jennings bookmakers in Market Place, Padma Lounge, at High Green Court, Alexander James Property Services, in Wolverhampton Road, and Bentleys Furniture, in North Street.
