Spalding traders hope new store will take on former Beales premises after workmen are spotted in the empty shop

Traders have welcomed news that a town eyesore could be brought back into use.

Workmen have been seen entering the former Beales store in Hall Place which has sparked fresh hope that this empty site could be open for business once more.

Beales closed the Spalding shop at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and it has stood empty since then.

Now traders in the town are hoping to see a major retailer move into the town next year.

Sue Stubley, who runs Occasions Jewellers in Bridge Street, doesn’t want to see a store with vinyl wrapped windows in place of Beales.

She said: “I am hoping that it is going to be something that is going to bring people into the town.

“I would like to see a Joules, White Stuff or Seasalt in there.

“It would be nice to get something of that ilk in there because that is where we lose out.

“We need a middle of the road gents shop and a baby and teenagers clothing shop.

“I am pleased to hear that they are working on it.

“It will make a big difference to the town to have something in there.”

Chairman of Spalding Retailers Association Darren Sutton says said it was good news that work was happening at the store.

He said: “It will be nice to have it occupied as it is a big building in the town.

“It would be good to have an M&S food in there or something like that.

“We will just have to wait and see who will be gong in there.”

*South Holland District Council has approved a recommendation for £30,660 to be spent on a nine-month project with the Mosaic partnership.

This aims to support the development stage for a new business group for Spalding town centre.