Jobs safe as Cannock Wilkinson store closure is halted
The future of a closure-threatened high street store in Cannock has been secured, saving 28 jobs, it was announced today.
Wilkinson in Market Hall Street was due to close in April next year when the firm's lease on the building ran out.
But bosses said today following successful negotiations with the owner of the building that the shop would be staying put in Cannock until at least April 2015.
Cannock Chase Council leader George Adamson today said he was delighted that Wilkinson was no longer closing. He said it was good news for shoppers and the economy.
"It keeps the jobs in Cannock and another shop open in the town centre," he said.
"We've had a problem recently with private landlords putting up the rent in the town centre. It's a national issue, but in Cannock all the rent reviews seem to have come at the same time.
"It's been done at Wilko, as well as Burton and Evans – which have both now left.
"But it's great news Wilko is staying for another year. Hopefully it means they won't leave at all."
Wilkinson store manager Trudy Wright added: "We're really happy to announce the lease extension which means we can stay open in Cannock until April 2015 at least.
"This is fantastic news for our team members and our loyal customers who made it clear they love shopping here."
Cannock town centre has had mixed fortunes of late.
Three high street names have disappeared in the past few months, including Burton, Evans and Thorntons in what was deemed as a major blow for the local economy.
The closures came despite figures showing that footfall had actually increased in the town centre.
And 80 jobs were created when discount retailer B&M Stores opened at the former Lidl supermarket in Church Street.
Budget supermarket Lidl, which stands on the retail park near McDonalds and Blockbuster, closed in March.
B&M has 331 stores across the country, up from just 20 stores six years ago.
