CIVIC and business leaders have given a cautious welcome to Poundland taking over the former Tesco store in the centre of Devizes.

Posters advertising jobs in the new shop were put up by Poundland in the doorway of the empty building in Maryport Street at the weekend.

Devizes Mayor Sarah Bridewell said: “I am glad that it is going to mean jobs for the town and the building will be occupied.”

Town and Wiltshire councillor Sue Evans said: “My first reaction was that I was a bit disappointed that it was going to be Poundland as I really wanted someone who sold affordable children and men's clothing for men and children.

“But it is much better for the building to be something rather than nothing so I welcome them coming here.”

Chamber of Commerce president Anthony Brown said: “My immediate reaction is that it is good news. It would have been bad to have such a large empty shop in the town centre.”

But he was worried that trade for other shops might be affected by the cut price store.

Fellow chamber committee member Tony Duck said: “I think it shows confidence in Devizes when a store such as Poundland decides to open here.”

Poundland this week was reluctant to give details about its plans for Devizes. One spokesman said the store would be open by the end of the year but another refused to even confirm that it was opening a shop in Devizes.

When asked why posters advertising jobs in a new store had gone up, she declined to comment and refused to be drawn on whether it was wrong to advertise jobs if they did not exist.

It also emerged this week that the Devizes branch of Morrisons is likely to start stocking its range of children’s clothing when an extension is built to re-home its pharmacy. It is understood the store will create a section for its Nutmeg range of affordable children’s and baby clothes. Town councillor Albert Wooldridge said: “I think this will be very popular with parents in the town.”

Mr Brown also plans to open Just Kidding in the town centre selling children’s clothes and school wear. He said: “The final paperwork on the lease is going through and I hope to open in a few weeks.”

A spokesman for Poundland said: “We are currently considering the acquisition of new stores to add to those already opened this year. The stringent acquisition process ensures the new stores are positioned in the right location and fit Poundland’s customer profile.

“Due to the popularity of Poundland’s product ranges, the organisation is keen not to raise anticipation for a new store before plans are finalised. Therefore, Poundland cannot disclose any more information at this stage. As soon as all details have been confirmed, Poundland will immediately release this information to the area in question.”

People interested in the Devizes jobs are asked to ring Poundland in Trowbridge.