IT LOOKS highly likely that Poundland is to open in the former Wilko unit at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre.

Although there has been no official confirmation, the discount chain has started advertising jobs based at a location in King Street - the same address as the shopping centre.

The posts are for two assistant store managers.

Neither Poundland, which closed its Stroud store in King Street in July 2021 - or Dransfield, which runs the centre, would comment.

The large unit left vacant when Wilko closed in September is being turned into two units.

Tony Davey, chair of Stroud Chamber of Trade, welcomed the potential news saying: "All towns of the size of Stroud need a healthy mix of national and independent businesses.

"Businesses such as Poundland, with its attractive pricing and ranges including budget clothing, carry significant importance within our town.

"The chain has strategies to be part of local high streets and thrive within them, so could make very valuable additions to our town alongside all our excellent shops."