THE Wilko on Fleet Street in the town centre is set to close on Saturday April 28.

Wilko was the last big retail name at that end of the town centre, an area that has seen a steep decline in recent years with only a smattering of off licenses, bars and betting shops remaining.

The retailer has signed a 15-year lease for a new store just down the road in the Parade, in a large unit which used to be occupied by Bhs.

The new 14,595sq ft store is expected to generate more than 15 jobs when it opens in May.

Wilko retail director Anthony Houghton, said: “We are delighted to have signed the lease at The Parade Shopping Centre and can’t wait to open our doors in May.

“The Parade Shopping Centre has a strong retail offering but we’ve spotted a gap in the market for our range of great quality products at everyday low prices from Wilko.

“The shopping centre attracts a diverse range of shoppers from miles around, including new homeowners and young families and I’m confident visitors will be impressed by the breadth of our ranges and the quality of our products.”

“We have a hugely exciting year ahead of us, with an expansion programme in place which will see us open more stores across the whole of the UK.”

Before the store opens mid-May, customers can still head to their local wilko Greenbridge store or visit wilko.com to browse and shop their favourite products.