B&Q has signed a new three year lease for its store at the Maybird shopping centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, quelling fears for the store's short-term future after plans to demolish the building were approved back in September.

The store had been earmarked for closure following Stratford District Council's approval of a planning application to demolish the building and build three new, modern units in its place. Council bosses have reportedly said they are in talks with the retailer to find an alternative site.

The store currently employs 49 workers. Store manager Lynford Johnson said: “Our B&Q Stratford-upon-Avon store has become a part of the town’s community as well as its landscape. We are delighted to have another three years at the Maybird Centre, as it gives us time to find a suitable site in Stratford to relocate to a new store.

“We are looking forward to our future in Stratford and plan to invest and expand the operation we have here. We want to provide more jobs to the area and to enhance the range of home improvement products and service solutions we offer our customers.”