A NATIONAL discount shop has responded to rumours it will move into a former Wilko unit. 

There has been speculation among Winton residents that B&M Bargains is looking to move into the old Wilko unit in Wimborne Road, the high street. 

Wilko in Winton became the first Bournemouth store to close following the company’s dramatic collapse into administration last year. 

Since Sunday, September 24, the unit has been empty. 

A spokeswoman for the company said: “Whilst B&M continue to acquire new stores and have discussions with landlords in respect of vacant space throughout the UK, we are not able to confirm this story.” 

Bournemouth Echo: Wilko when it was open in WintonWilko when it was open in Winton (Image: NQ)

Wilko was originally founded by James Kemsey Wilkinson in Leicester in 1930 and employed 12,500 workers before its collapse. 

The Wilko brand will not disappear entirely from the UK high street after The Range agreed to buy Wilko’s brand, website and intellectual property, with plans to sell the acquired brand in its stores. 

Wilko is set to reopen its branch in the Dolphin shopping centre in Poole. 

Meanwhile B&M Bargains has two shops in the BCP area, including one in Mallard Road Retail Park in Bournemouth – the country’s largest – and another in Yarrow Road, near Tower Park.