Sadness as Cannock Wilko shuts after 28 years

The shop, based in the Forum Shopping Centre in the middle of the town, closed on Friday.

Its closure was revealed in the Express & Star last month when it was confirmed by the homeware company.

Gutted shoppers spoke of their sadness as they used it for the final time.

Val Bailey, 72, originally from Cannock but now living in Burntwood, said: "I'm sad to see it go. It sells a lot of things you usually have to get out of town at places like B&Q and Homebase. It's handy to get bits and bobs. I think it's sad it's going to be empty.

David Rowland, 54, from Cannock, said: "Wilko is an established name so it'll be sad to see it go. I think the market on a Friday is good. I think it's the only time you see Cannock with some life in it."

Up to 10 of the 24 of those who work in the store could be saved by transfers to other stores following the closure after 28 years of trading. Nine opted for redundancy and contracts for five temporary workers have ended.

Pauline Mattox, 74, who used the shop with her husband Ron, said: "It's handy and local for the people in the Cannock Chase area, who have now got to travel to places like Brownhills and Stafford.

"We have started to go to Bilston market – it's fantastic. The outside and inside market is a hive of activity.

Bosses at Wilko thanked its 'loyal' customers and hoped customers would continue to shop at other stores.

A spokesman said: "We know that our team members and loyal customers will be very disappointed – particularly as this store has traded for 28 years in the town.

"The majority of our team members at the store are relocating and we hope that our loyal Cannock customers will be able to shop with us again at other stores in the area."

Angela D'oyly, 60, from Cannock, added: "I think it's the pound shops that have caused it to close. But if you actually go into Wilko, things are cheaper and better quality. It's a shame it's gone after all these years – a big shop that will be left empty now."

Team members at Cannock have received priority for vacancies at other Wilko stores in the area.