Discount department store TJ Hughes is to take over Walsall’s former Woolworths store which has been empty since December, creating 70 jobs.

The chain, which also has branches in Wolverhampton, Kidderminster and Lichfield, has agreed a deal to move into the premises in Park Street.

It was previously thought the old Woolies could become a mini mall with the creation of 60 jobs after plans including shops, a restaurant and cafe were submitted to Walsall Council.

But TJ Hughes confirmed today that it was hoping to open in the autumn.

Head of marketing Michelle Begley said: “It’s early days, but we are delighted to be opening in Walsall.”

Walsall Council leader Councillor Mike Bird said: “They do bring a lot of footfall into Lichfield, so if they can do the same for us, that cannot be a bad thing.

“Any new business in the town has got to be good news for Walsall.”

Keith Stanley, area director of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said it was a positive move for Walsall town centre.

He said security people for TJ Hughes had been in talks about how they could feed into Walsall Town Centre Partnership.