A SHIPLEY MP says he will look to 'explore further options' to try to keep a major store in the town after it was announced it will close for good later this year.

Wilko on Kirkgate was originally scheduled to shut for good this month, one of 15 of the high street chain's branches to do so.

But the company has now revealed the Shipley store will shut in November, as the new date agreed between the firm and the landlord.

Philip Davies MP says he discussed the closure of the Shipley branch with Wilko's chief executive earlier this month.

Mr Davies says he will now discuss the options for Wilko in Shipley with Bradford Council to try to keep the High Street name in the town.

He added one possible option to try to keep Wilko in the town would be to offer them an alternative site in Shipley.

The existing store is popular with shoppers and last month Shipley Town Council wrote to Wilko bosses asking what can be done to prevent the chain from closing its store in the town.

A petition, organised by the Bradford District Green Party, to keep the store open, has more than 800 signatures.

Mr Davies said: "I spoke to the chief executive at Wilko last week. We had a good discussion and I understand the pressures that retail are experiencing on the high street.

It would be a disappointment to say the least if a big name like Wilko left the high street in Shipley

"I will be having further discussions with Bradford Council to look at things including alternative sites for them and business rates.

"I'm not saying I can guarantee we will be successful, but I want to explore every possible option to keep them in Shipley.

"It won't be for the lack of trying and the date being moved back gives us more time to try to see what we can do.

"I will give it my best shot. I appreciate the odds are against us, but I will give everything and explore every option and opportunity to try to keep them in Shipley."

A Wilko spokesman said: “Wilko confirms that it will be closing its Shipley store in November 2022.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Councillor Kevin Warnes hope the Shipley branch of Wilko can be saved from closure Councillor Kevin Warnes hope the Shipley branch of Wilko can be saved from closure

Councillor Kevin Warnes (Green, Shipley) hailed the delay in the store's closure.

He said: "It's absolutely fantastic news. It is a much-loved local store.

"People want to walk to Shipley town centre to go to stores they know and love like Wilko."

Councillor Martin Love (Green, Shipley) hopes Wilko can stay in the town.

He said: "It's positive that they have moved it back to November.

"We have a petition running at the moment and it shows the level of feeling in Shipley about it.

"It's not just one store, it will have an impact of the rest of the town centre."