Poundland denies rumours about closure of Diss store

A high street retailer has sought to downplay concerns that its branch in Diss town centre could close, after worries about the shop’s future began spreading on social media in recent weeks.

Discount retailer Poundland has operated an outlet in Mere Street for the last four years, after moving into the premises following the closure of Carpetright.

But rumours have circulated in community forums on Facebook – the social networking website – this month that the store, which is thought to employ approximately 15 people, was potentially facing the axe, prompting fears about the loss of a major chain to the town centre.

This led to a campaign being set up on the 38 Degrees petition website over the Bank Holiday weekend, titled Save Poundland in Diss Norfolk, which has accrued almost 40 online signatures since its launch.

Its creator, Mary Prentice, wrote on the campaign page: “Stop them from closing Poundland as it’s a very good shop and is needed and will be missed. It’s a big part of our town.”

The next closest Poundland branch is located in Thetford, more than 15 miles away.

However, a statement issued by the retailer this week denied the rumours, insisting that the Diss store remains open for business, and that it had no plans to alter its current trading arrangements in the town.

“We have no plans to leave the store we rent from a landlord in Diss,” a Poundland spokeswoman told the Diss Express. “We are open and trading.”