Woolies branch could be new shop

Another Black Country branch of Woolworths in on the brink of being snapped up. A mystery buyer is to take over the shop in Bloxwich High Street.

The branch shut down on January, among the last in the nationwide closures, and has been empty ever since.

But Mark Trowmans, from Wolverhampton-based Michael Trowmans estate agents, said contracts were expected to be signed on the store in the next few weeks.

"We have agreed terms and negotiations are in their final stages." he said.

It is the fourth former Woolworths store with resurrection on the cards. The Blackheath branch is to become home to Heron Frozen Foods while retail giant Sports Direct is set to rent the unit which the Stafford branch occupied.

Woolworths in Wednesfield is also on the brink of being snapped up by a mystery buyer.

It has not yet been announced who will be moving in to Bloxwich but traders today welcomed the news the former Woolworths is on the verge of being brought back to life.

Eve Onions, of Jeneve Bridal Wear, High Street, said: "It is not good to have a store of that size and prominence sitting empty so I am delighted something is being planned for it.

"The sooner it can be brought back into use the better. We have got quite a few empty units in the High Street now so it would be a boost to have the Woolworths building back in use."

Bloxwich Councillor Desmond Pitt said: "It was a devastating blow when Woolworths shut.

"Every town needs its anchor stores for trade."