The site of a former Wilko left empty for more than a year will reopen as a budget store. Bognor's Wilko store in London Road closed last September after the company went into administration. Now, budget retailer Poundstretcher is set to open in its place.

Signage up on the storefront said the shop will swing open its doors on Thursday, October 17. READ MORE: Former Wilko at risk of crumbling after 'potentially significant' damage found On its website, Poundstretcher said: "Our store, which is a short walk from the Bognor Regis Sea Front, stocks over 5,000 household products. "From groceries, confectionery, kitchen appliances, furniture, décor, gardening tools, storage solutions, and electrical goods, we provide our customers with the biggest brands at the lowest possible prices.

"As one of the UK’s leading discount retailer on the high street, we can help you enjoy the highest quality products at the best possible prices. At Poundstretcher there’s something for everyone." Residents have had mixed reactions to the news.

Maria Embleton said: "It is a positive. It is better to be used than an empty shop." Gemima Naylor added: "Finally, good to see that something is going into the old Wilko store.

" Meanwhile, others feel the unit could have been filled with something different. Lisa Thompson said: "We have already got a Poundland. What a waste of a shop, it could have been something so much more worthwhile.

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