TRADERS hit by a loss of footfall after a popular Great Malvern store closed may now have light at the end of the tunnel.

Wilko closed on September 24 after the national discount retail chain went into administration and the store has remained unused since.

But new tenants are being secured for the Church Walk building although there remain rumours surrounding the condition of the roof at the site.

Richard Mairs, owner of nearby shop Sweet Street, said: "There has been an inevitable decline in footfall.

"We have been here for seven years so we are widely known and our regulars are very loyal to us but it is an impulse purchase for many people and it relies on footfall. That has certainly been hit significantly.

"I'm sure other small independent businesses would say the same. It's almost a halo effect in reverse.

"But it's an inevitable consequence because Wilkos was a big attraction for local people and a much-needed one I think."

Independent vape shop Cloud Head's manager Ross Wanklin agreed: "It's a lot quieter than it was.

"People may not need to come down here on an everyday basis now. For instance, my mother used to come up and shop there (at Wilkos) everyday. It needs something being put in there ASAP really to bring the footflow back to this area."

Councillor Beverley Nielsen, portfolio holder for economic development and tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "MHDC Economic Development has recently been in touch with the agents for the Wilko site and we have reason to believe there is a new prospective tenant as the lease is in the process of being assigned.

"However, we have no confirmation on who this may be and no insights into the state of the building."

John Brown, of London-based managing agents Lawson and Partners, confirmed: "We are in the solicitors' hands for an assignment at the minute."

Moving forward, traders and residents have called for a similar store to Wilko to take its place.

Mr Mairs continued: "Anything that is going to support the town has got to be good news. What I don't like is empty shops for obvious reasons. I don't have a preference as long as it's a crowd-puller and we all benefit from it."

Mr Wanklin added: "Something similar to a Wilko like The Range or a B&M. Or maybe an indoor market or something for the kids like a big soft play area. Something to bring people back."