WIMBORNE’S former Woolworths store has been taken on by a high street fashion retailer.

National chain Fat Face plans to open its new store on the Square within weeks – a decision that has been welcomed by the town’s civic leaders and traders.

Town mayor Cllr Robin Cook said the clothing chain’s commitment to the town was “brilliant news”.

“It’s good to see that the Woolworths store has been filled so quickly.

“Fat Face will bring some colour and life to that part of the town, and will appeal to young people,” he said.

“If I was looking to open a specialist business, Wimborne would be an obvious choice.

“The town needs a mix of independent shops and national names.”

A Chinese restaurant and a furnishing shop were two more national chains scheduled to open premises in the town, he added.

Malcolm Angel, the chairman of Wimborne Minster and District Chamber of Trade, said the store would help to publicise Wimborne.

“We have lamented the closure of Woolworths and the loss of the business it brought to the town.

“It will be good to see the premises reopened and thriving again,” he said.

“We’re hoping that Fat Face will bring employment and shoppers to Wimborne, and that they will include Wimborne in their publicity machine.”

Paul Holman, the proprietor of Square Records, said the commitment of new retailers in the face of economic gloom was evidence of the Wimborne’s appeal.

“Even though there’s an economic downturn, people are still willing to invest in Wimborne – perhaps it’s because of the Waitrose decision,” said Mr Holman.

A spokesman for Fat Face said the company would sell clothing and accessories for men, women, and children from its new store.

Eight employees are needed, she added, but was unable to say whether they would be employed on a full or part-time basis.