Alfreton Poundland store to close six months after opening

The store is on a pedestrianised arcade off the High Street in Alfreton

A Derbyshire discount store will close after just six months of trading.

Poundland confirmed its shop in Institute Lane, Alfreton, will close on Saturday.

A spokesperson for the chain said it had been "unable to secure a long term lease" to continue trading there.

The store was taken over by Poundland in October after its owner Pepco Group took on the leases of dozens of Wilko shops when the business fell into administration.

The spokesperson said: "I'm afraid it's correct that we're closing our Alfreton store [on 6 April].

"Sadly we've been unable to secure a long term lease that would enable us to keep trading.

"We know that will be disappointing to customers and colleagues alike - we will, of course, do all we can to look for other opportunities for colleagues at the store."

Responding to a Facebook post about the closure, local resident Denise King said: "That is so sad our towns are dying a death.

"Please go out and shop, meet new people, have a laugh, meet up with partners, lovers and friends, but please please don't let our high streets die."