New hope for old Woolies

Two retailers have offered to take on the shop with the landlord set to chose who will be the new leaseholder imminently. A well known chain is said to be the favourite to take on the Market Place premises.

The identities of the two retailers have not yet been revealed but they are described as operating in a similar retail sector to fallen high street stalwart Woolworths.

Tim Lloyd, director at agent Jones Lang Lasalle, said: "We have two offers which we are currently debating and are very close to agreeing a deal.

"Both operations are in the general merchandise sector but one is slightly more well known. The company does not have a presence in Cannock already but is established in many towns of a similar size so we are confident it would be a good fit.

"The decision will be made very soon and we would hope to see the store being fitted out within six weeks and open by September at the latest."

Woolworths closed its Cannock store, with the loss of 45 jobs, on January 6.

The news follows the announcement that independent bookmaker Jennings is to open a shop, also in Market Place, creating six jobs on June 27.

It is a welcome boost for a town centre which has seen shops such as Woolworths, Walter Smith butchers, children's clothing store Adams, photographic shop Max Spielmann and Firkins bakery disappear in the last 12 months while Cannock Shopping Centre went into receivership. But bucking the trend is Cannock Market Hall which has occupancy at 98.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, Rugeley's old Woolworths store also lies empty but talks are now under way with retailers.