Screwfix's DIY Express store in Hayes, which was the second of the new-format stores opened by the Kingfisher-owned retailer this Spring, has ceased trading.
Customers of the West London store, which opened in March this year, were greeted with locked doors and empty shelves this week. Upon enquiring to customer services, the following response was received: "I can confirm that unfortunately the DIY Express store in Hayes has closed this week and will not be re-opened, this store was opened for a trial period, which has now ended."

Other sources suggest the store's closure is only temporary. Screwfix marketing manager Kim Madeley told DIY Week: "We have temporarily closed our DIY Express trial store at Springfield Road Retail Park, whilst we make store improvements in response to customer feedback.  The new-look store will be open in September."

A visit to the DIY Express website revealed only one location for the small-format store - the original offering in Shepton Mallet.

Earlier this month, representatives from DIY Express told DIY Week that the new-format DIY Express stores seemed to be "working well so far" and had received "good feedback" from customers.

Diyweek.net will have more on this story as it develops.