A MAJOR retailer has refused to deny rumours it will be opening a new out-of-town store in Weston.

The Mercury reported in September how Marks & Spencer was considering opening a Simply Food store in an empty unit at Flowerdown Retail Park, off Aisecome Way.

The Mercury understands the retailer is still weighing up the benefits of opening the store in the former Comet unit.

A spokesman for Marks & Spencer said: “We are always looking at potential new store locations, but currently do not have anything we can confirm in Weston.”

Flowerdown Retail Park is home to, among others, a Frankie & Benny’s restaurant, Costa coffee shop, B&Q and a large Sports Direct outlet.