A NEW Poundland has opened in Swindon town centre.

The budget retailer opened its second store on The Parade in December after taking over a number of the closed Wilko shops.

It had its grand opening on December 9 and boasts all of the usual things you’d expect from a Poundland including the latest Pep&Co clothing range.

But reaction to the store’s arrival has been mixed.

Some locals said they loved going to a Poundland and it was great to see the former Wilko back in use so soon after closing.

Others criticised the move pointing out there was already a Poundland and a number of other budget shops in the Swindon town centre.

We’ve collected some of the best responses we received on our Facebook post.

Anisul Islam said: “Swindon town centre becoming a ‘Poundland Centre.”

Shane Kelsey said: “Just what Swindon needed.”

Stuart Hall said: “Yes new Poundland so can’t wait to get there.”

Michelle Brooks said: “Love a Poundland.”

Dave Garrett said: “I have no need really to go into our town centre but will be taking the leap just before Christmas

“Shame as I remember the days before the internet.”

Wendy Dickz said: “Something different I guess.

“How many Poundlands do they need in Swindon?”

Philomena Liston said: “Its better than nothing.”

Christine Mckinlay said: “Although it says Poundland nothing is a pound! It’s just a name! But it fills an empty shop.

“It was ok nothing special.”

Umm Honi said: “I do not believe it is such a bad thing, Poundland is investing in Pep&Co which has some good products.

“I think the problem we have is high business rates and not enough pop up shops.”

Christopher Malpas-Kennedy said: “Swindon was a bit downmarket and unambitious when I left 22 years ago.

“I see it has only got worse. The problem is Swindon is surrounded by places better than what it is - Bath, Bristol, London etc are all within very easy reach and will constantly beat it on culture, shopping etc.

“Not sure what can be done, other than try to aim for something different to what those places offer.

“There is no competition as Swindon has always lost that contest.”

Mark Truman said: “The only place in the world that’s so proud they get a Poundland. I guess it is posh for Swindon.”

Lorna Tilley: “Oh goody another pound shop. Well it was going to be either that or a coffee shop.

“The suspense was killing me!”

Mark Fullick said: “A shop is a job these days, and anything has to be better than nothing, Swindon like everywhere is being crushed in to poverty with its low to no life sustaining wage economy.

“We live in struggling times and the government have walked away from the people, I overheard a mother in a charity shop say to her daughter, pick anything you like its Christmas, not even a new toy and I bet that poor mother is crying inside and this is not an isolated story.”

Frank Williams: “People complain when a shop is empty and say something should be done about it.

“People complain when a shop they don’t think they want or need moves into an empty building

“There seems to be no pleasing some people who will say that they want big brands and exciting stores to open in the town centre, but in the same breath will say they haven’t been there in years.

“I, for one, am happy that a store that was empty is now occupied, providing a service and providing employment to local people.”