Wilko closures in BCP area will hit people 'pretty hard'

Winton high street, Boscombe’s Sovereign Centre, Poole’s The Dolphin and Ferndown’s Victoria Road will all lose the budget retailer by early October. 

Attempts by music retailer HMV to rescue the 400 national shops collapsed on Monday, meaning 12,500 jobs would “very likely” be lost, according to the GMB Union. 

Cllr Chris Rigby, the Green councillor for Winton East, said the imminent closure of the shop in Wimborne Road in his ward will hit people “pretty hard”. 

Wilko in Ferndown

He said: “It’s really disappointing to see big household discount names shutting down across the country and the impact it will have on everybody is going to be pretty hard. 

“The Winton one is well used by many people, I also go in there quite often, so it’s really unfortunate for everybody involved.

Read more: Wilko shops to close: Bournemouth and Poole stores set to go

“Hopefully, another shop similar to Wilko offering brands for discounted prices can move into where Wilko is now. 

“This will have an impact on anyone who is struggling [with the cost of living] and it’s one less option for them to go to, but it is a big loss for everybody, to be honest.” 

Winton high street (Image: Daily Echo)

Cllr Mike Parkes, ward councillor for Ferndown north, said the closure will be a “huge loss” for his town, particularly with the Wetherpoon pub Nightjar expected to close later this month. 

He said: “It brings in a lot of people to the town and Victoria Road and will reduce the footfall for other businesses. 

“It’s also terrible for the people who are losing their jobs and there is a potential knock-on effect for businesses in the surrounding area. 

Read more: Bournemouth Wilko closes to the disappointment of shoppers

“I’d like to see something else that’ll bring people back to Ferndown – the last thing we want is two empty units next to each other.” 

John Grinnell, centre manager of The Dolphin in Poole, pledged to do his “utmost to assist people impacted by the closure”. 

He said: “Our first and foremost considerations are with the staff employed by Wilko at The Dolphin. 

“This will be a very uncertain and challenging time for those affected, and we will endeavour to support them to find new jobs in the local area, working with existing partners to facilitate this where we are able to.”