ANOTHER former Woolworths store in south Essex is set to become a discount shop.

The 99p Stores chain has confirmed it plans to move into the former Woolworths in Wickford High Street.

It makes the third Woolworths store to become a discount store in south Essex this year, after 99p Stores moved into Woolworths Canvey branch and Poundland moved into its Basildon branch.

The opening will create around 13 jobs and the store is expected to open in November.

Hussein Lalani, co-founder and commercial director of 99p Stores, said: “The old Woolworths stores are working really well and part of the reason is their location.

“People know where they are. What we find is people are curious about us and once they come in, they are surprised by the amount of branded goods we sell”.

David Harrison, member of the Wickford Action Group, welcomed the news. He said: “Any new store opening up in Wickford is a bonus, rather than empty shops.”