NEWS that the retailer lined up to take on the empty TJ Hughes store will not be revealed until the new year has prompted a mixed reaction from readers.

Weston Mercury: TJ Hughes Store.TJ Hughes Store. (Image: Archant)

Dove Properties, which bought the unit in the autumn, says a retailer has agreed to take over part of the ground floor, although it does not want to reveal its identity as yet.

While any retailer will not be coming in time for the January sales, readers have been quick to suggest what they want to see happen.

n “Please, please, please bring Primark to Weston. We need a boost to this area of town, no more coffee or phone shops and definitely no charity shops! If you look at Bristol or Cardiff and other places which already have Primark, they are heaving with shoppers!” – Marion Hoskins.

n “Not Primark please. Maybe a good toy shop or kids’ clothes/shoe shop. Nothing in Weston High Street.” – Laura Spindler.

n “We seriously need some good men’s clothes shops. But while the greedy council has high business rates and no free parking nothing worthwhile will change Weston’s shopping environment. That whole end of the High Street, both sides, needs flattening and redevelopment.” – Simon Barton.

n “We’re not gonna get a John Lewis being realistic. Something for the younger generation maybe? Primark, Next, or something along those lines.” – Liz Neville.

n “I hope that I am wrong but this does not sound promising. Only part of the ground floor for retail use does not appear to be any major retailer.” – Johnny.

n “The only positive note is that the two flats on the top floor are to be retained. Looking at this developer’s track record - that will be it. More flats on the upper floors and maybe a toy shop as the retail unit on the ground floor. Unless this goes beyond any of their previous schemes, do not expect any major retailer. Wish I could be wrong.” – Bill.

n For more readers’ views log onto www.westonmercury.co.uk or visit the Mercury’s Twitter or Facebook pages.