A DISCOUNT store looks set to open in the former Woolworths building in Abergavenny.

B & M Retail Limited, a Blackpool-based company, is understood to be opening a branch in the town centre.

The retail unit in the high street has been vacant since the closure of Woolworths on December 27 after more than 70 years in the town.

The bargain store, which sells products ranging from patio furniture to children’s toys, has made no secret of its plan to increase its stores throughout the UK from 48 to 100 over the next five years.

The company has posted an advert for vacancies on its job website seeking a deputy manager to be located in Abergavenny.

Local estate agent Gerry Young, of Miles, Young & Co, said that the interest from B&M would be good news for the town and said there is also interest in several vacant units in the town.

“The former Motorworld unit is under offer and there is also interest in the bakery Sweetman’s, both of which are located on Frogmore Street, as well as the Heli-beds building on Baker Street,” added Mr Young.

Speculation that Marks and Spencer was looking at the former Woolworths site had been mounting but the company this week announced 1,200 job losses across the UK.

A spokeswoman for the retailer, which has a food-only store in nearby Monmouth, confirmed that the company has no interest in leasing the Abergavenny building.

“We are not interested in the building and have no current plans to open a store in Abergavenny, “ she added.

No one from B & M Retail Ltd was available to comment as the Argus went to Press last night.