A POPULAR high street store is to disappear from a town centre in the Bradford district despite a campaign to save it from the axe.

Back in January it was announced that Wilko in Shipley would close its doors. The news came as a huge blow for the town, particularly as it occupies a prominent unit on Kirkgate.

The store was originally due to close in February, but there was a slight reprieve when the date was pushed back to November.

Despite the announcement, efforts have been made to save the store with Shipley MP Philip Davies, Green Party councillors and Shipley Town Council all calling on Wilko bosses to reconsider.

But the company confirmed to the Telegraph & Argus that there has been "no significant development" and the store was still tipped for closure despite the "passion" shown by shoppers.

A petition set up by the Green Party has been signed by nearly 1,200 people.

"This will be a massive blow for our town centre – we know that Wilko is much-loved and needed by local people in Shipley and beyond," it says.

"The Government has given Bradford Council money to regenerate the town centre – but losing one of our most important businesses would be a massive step backwards.

"If we want our town centre to thrive, we need a good mix of local independent stores and national retailers that are going to give people a reason to visit our town."

One person who signed the petition said: “I will always be grateful for the everyday items the store provides, and so I would be gutted if the store closed."

Shipley Town councillor Anna Watson (Green Party, Northcliffe & Norwoods), said: “It has been great to see the strong public support for our Wilko store and I am glad this has been noticed by the company management.

“We hope that between now and November, Wilko, the landlord and Bradford Council use this time to work out a solution to keep the store in Shipley.”

Despite the strong calls, a spokesperson for Wilko said: “We’re touched by the passion shown for Wilko in Shipley, it’s never an easy decision to close a store.

"Unfortunately, there’s been no significant development and we still plan to close the store in late November.”

The only other Wilko store in Bradford is the shop in Rawson Quarter in the city centre.

The petition can still be signed by visiting: www.actionnetwork.org/petitions/lets-save-shipley-wilkos