AN MP said the decision of a major retailer to close one of its shops in the district is a "huge blow".

Wilko on Kirkgate will shut for good on Saturday, November 26, the company has confirmed.

The high street retailer originally announced in January this year that the store would close its doors.

The store, which occupies a prominent unit on Kirkgate, was originally due to close in February, but 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.

An online petition was set up to save the store from closure, which has received 1,265 signatures.

Mr Davies, who met with Wilko officials earlier this year, said: “It’s a huge blow. I’m bitterly disappointed.

“It’s an iconic store in Shipley and is popular with my constituents. It reduces the footfall into the town.

“I hope that Wilkinson’s will come back to Shipley. I coordinated a meeting with Bradford Council and Wilkinson’s to see if they could find a way to keep them in Shipley. I’m really disappointed that did not come to anything.

“It is very, very disappointing when any business leaves Shipley.”

But Mike Connors, Shipley Town Council chair, said Wilko leaving the town will open the door for local retailers to build up their trade.

And he added that it's not all "doom and gloom".

“It’s disappointing for their regular, loyal customers, but it’s a free market and these things happen," said Mr Connors.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Shipley is set to lose one of its major stores in November. NewsquestShipley is set to lose one of its major stores in November. Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s not all doom and gloom. We expect to see new retailers occupying that space in the not-too-distant future.

“It’s an opportunity for one or two local retailers that have similar offerings to Wilko to pick up the trade.

“Shipley town centre is a little bit underrated, it does get a bad rap from some people.”

A Wilko spokesman said told the Telegraph & Argus: “We’ll be bidding a fond farewell to our Shipley store on November 26, 2022.

“The difficult decision to close the store comes after we couldn’t agree favourable lease terms with the site’s landlord.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank any affected local team members, some of which have relocated to nearby stores, and to reassure customers that we’ll continue to offer everything they need from nearby stores in Bradford or Armley, or via wilko.com.”