MARKS and Spencer has said it is interested in bringing another store to Poole.

The firm made the comments following ongoing rumours about an M&S opening in Broadstone.

Traders in the area say they have been told that the retailer is planning on taking over the Budgens store which is located in Lower Blandford Road.

Marks and Spencer has neither confirmed or denied the rumours.

A comment from the firm said: “Whilst we are interested in bringing an additional store to the Poole area - we don’t have any further details to confirm at present.

“We will update the community with more information soon.”

Borough of Poole Cllr Mike Brooke, who represents the Broadstone ward, said he would welcome the introduction of an M&S to the area especially in light of recent parking charge increases.

Poole council increased parking charges at Story Lane car park in Broadstone from 40p to £1 for a one hour stay earlier this year.

It was one of a number of district car parks across the borough which saw an increase in charges. Others included Ashley Road, Ashley Cross, Canford Cliffs and Penn Hill.

To park for two hours will now cost £1.50, then £3.50 for three.

And according to Cllr Brooke the new charges are having a real impact on Broadstone.

“The Story Lane car park used to be full on a Saturday with people queueing for a space,” he said.

“But since the charges were introduced the car park is never full.

“It was always going to be inevitable when you increase the charges by 150 per cent. And now people have moved away to to their shopping at nearby supermarkets where there is free parking.”

But Cllr Brooke said that with the introduction of M&S to Broadstone, that might keep people in the area.

“The company brings with it a reputation when it comes to the quality of its food,” he added.

“It would be great for the area and I think it would bring shoppers back to Broadstone.

“Budgens have done an excellent job for the area and concentrated on providing locally sourced products. But M&S offers something a bit special and the closest one is much further afield.”

Other Budgens stores in the area have faced a difficult time recently. Earlier this year it was announced that the 34 stores operated by Food Retailer Operations Limited (FROL) face closure after the company went into administration. Stores in Christchurch, Gillingham and Shaftesbury were all affected.