Discount retailer Poundland has said it is  ‘disappointed’ it has to close a store in Bolton.

A notice has gone up in the Horwich store saying it would shut later this month.

The store earmarked for closure is in the country's largest retail park, Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park.

There are closure signs both in and outside the store.

Shelves were emptying already with a closing date in place for August 22.

Poundland bosses say that this is due to a lease expiry which the retailer said it did not have the option to renew from the landlord.

A spokesman for Poundland said: “We’re as disappointed as our customers that we’re having to say goodbye to our store at Middlebrook – while we have a couple of other stores in Bolton at which customers will be welcome.

“We know many found Middlebrook convenient.

“We’re opening and relocating around 50 stores this year and will continue to look for opportunities to grow.”

The Bolton News: Poundland

The spokesman said: "Obviously it goes without saying that we’ll do all we can to look after the colleagues who work in the store.   

"We’re a growing retailer, opening or relocating 50 stores in this year alone, so we will do our best to find alternatives for our colleagues."

Shoppers were sad to hear of the closing, which comes at a time where many other shops such as Select are also closing soon.

But Poundland say they would have loved to continue going but could not.

Just last week, the retailer opened a new store in Frome, Somerset last week Saturday with more openings on the way.

The news hit shoppers hard who love going there to grab a bargain.

One disgruntled shopper said: “I get my cinema sweets from here when I visit VUE with my kids, and I always come out with more things.

“It makes you feel sad and if they can’t stay open then we’ll lose a good shop.”

However, despite the closure the retail park has seen some big brands open there recently.

Carrs Pasties opened a new shop there and Five Guys is set to open soon.

The closure of Poundland comes as it was announced last week that Wilkos was going into administration, with the potential close of the Bolton store on Deansgate.

Bolton has seen a number of shops close lately in the town centre, with Marks & Spencer closing in April.

Jess Henley said she lived just 10 minutes from Middlebook Retail Park and was shocked that Poundland was closing.

Poundland will still operate their Bolton Town Centre store and continue to expand.

Poundland was launched 23 years ago by Dave Dodd and Stephen Smith, specialising in kitchen-ware, gifts, healthcare and other products across 16 categories and, like its rivals, operates a constantly rotating product line with items sold at £1.

Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park declined to comment.