Talks on hope for Primark

Crisis talks are planned to try and find a use for one of Kidderminster's largest empty shops after Littlewoods closed nearly three years ago.

It is hoped the owners - Associated British Foods - could be persuaded to open a Primark store. Wyre Forest District Council is currently putting together its new blueprint for the town. The Littlewoods store on Worcester Street closed its doors in January 2006 and was sold to Primark.

Although the store is no longer trading, a lease agreement means £302,500 has to paid until 2020.

ABF spokesman Geoff Lancaster said: "We would be pleased to listen to anything the council has to say about moving things forward." London-based agents CBRE today said the responsibility of the lease rested with Primark.