Shrewsbury Homebase store's doors to close for final time

The home improvement retailer confirmed last month that its store on Sundorne Retail Park, off Battlefield Road, would be axed.

Final stock was being sold today ahead of its last trading day tomorrow.

Retail bosses, who held consultations with workers when the closure was first announced, said they had done "all it could" to minimise redundancies.

Home Retail Group, which owns Homebase as well as High Street giants Argos, refused to confirm how many staff had lost their jobs but it is believed about 50 jobs could have been affected by the move. The closure will not affect the three other county branches – in Penda Retail Park, Oswestry, Waymills Road, Whitchurch, and in Telford's Wrekin Retail Park.

A spokeswoman for Home Retail Group said the retailer was still "committed" to shoppers in the area and said they were able to use the three remaining stores.

It comes as national discount chain Poundland opened a new shop in Shropshire today, creating nearly 30 new jobs.

Poundland has created 28 new jobs when it opens it doors at the former Peacocks store in Cross Street in Oswestry. Richard Lancaster, Poundland's trading director, said: "We are delighted to bring our unique proposition to Oswestry.

"Our current customers love us and we are sure Oswestry shoppers will too."

Heather Noble, chairman of Oswestry Chamber of Commerce, said: "I have driven past the store and already having proper hoardings and merchandising at that shop has helped to improve the look of Cross Street.

"The jobs news is always welcome because 28 people are now in work and will have income to spend hopefully within the town.

"It is positive news and hopefully other national chains will look towards the town."

• Local business: Border Automotive Paints, Shrewsbury and Hereford