RUMOURS are circulating that the WH Smith store in High Street, Chippenham, may be replaced with a Marks and Spencer Simply Food shop.
The freeholder, Antony Radcliffe, got planning permission from North Wiltshire District Council last week for the replacement of internal partitions.
Since then rumours have been flying around that WH Smith is to relocate and Marks and Spencer is to move in.
Although WH Smith has remained tight lipped, it has not denied a move.
A spokesman said: "All we would like to say is that we want to stay in Chippenham.
"We would also like to reassure staff working at that branch that their jobs are safe at the moment and they would be the first to know if this changed."
One staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, is concerned that, if the branch moved, she would be out of a job.
She said: "I have done some research and the only job available is one in Bath - too far for me to travel.
"I hope the store does stay open because I think the people of Chippenham need a local newsagents on their doorstep.
"I just want to know what is going on."
Marks and Spencer has also been coy about the situation. A spokesman said: "We are keen to open a new store in Chippenham and have been for a while.
"At this stage we cannot comment on any new premises we might be looking at.
"We think a Marks and Spencer Simply Food store would be well received."
The retailer has already opened Simply Food Stores in Devizes and Marlborough and has a presence at the M4 services at Leigh Delamare, near Chippenham.
Meanwhile, plans for a town centre Waitrose store seem to have stalled.
North Wiltshire District Council confirmed there had been no advancement with the application to grant permission for a store on the Bath Road car park site.
The council and Chippenham Chamber of Commerce are meeting to discuss the project on March 27. Both the district council and Chippenham Chamber of Commerce back the plan.
In January Waitrose outlined plans to redevelop Bath Road car park.
This week the district council confirmed it had not yet put the site out to tender to other supermarkets, which it must do before Waitrose can move in.
It is believed Wiltshire County Council wants the Bath Road car park and Bridge Centre roundabout to be redeveloped as one site as part of the 2020 plan to regenerate the town, but Waitrose has indicated it is only interested in the car park site.
