A BUDGET supermarket, a sweet shop and the potential new face of M&S in Gloucester – have all filled old Woolworths stores one year on.

As business at the controversial new 99p store in Stroud town centre continues to thrive, Marks & Spencer is finalising plans to take over the empty shell of the once-popular chain in Gloucester's Eastgate Street.

Meanwhile, in Cinderford, the former store has become Bom Dia, and The Original Factory Shop has set up shop in the old Lydney store.

Jose Carlos, manager of Bom Dia, said business was going well since he opened the store in October.

He said: "It is a bit slow after the snow and roadworks in the town but before that we were doing really well.

"We have pick 'n' mix, toys, watches, a bargain section, DIY, magazines, a bit of everything really.

"We are going to be introducing some new lines in the next few months and hopefully business will be even better."

High-end department store chain Marks & Spencer has expressed an interest in taking up residence in the former Woolworth's store in Eastgate Street, which, it is believed, would mean the closure of their Northgate Street store.

A spokeswoman for Marks & Spencer said details of its expansion plans in Gloucester could not be revealed.

She said: "We're certainly looking at a number of options to increase our presence in Gloucester, however we cannot confirm any further details at this stage."

Objections

The new 99p Store opened in King Street, Stroud last year, despite widespread objections from residents and visitors to the town.

A Facebook petition against its opening managed to attract hundreds of signatures, while protesters said there were already too many cheap stores in the town.

However, despite the objection, the store has been busy since it opened.

A spokesman for the 99p Store in King Street, Stroud, said details about the school would not be discussed over the phone.