B&Q has announced it is proposing to close one of its stores in Suffolk after serving the community for more than 12 years.

The DIY retail giant is to shut its branch in Sudbury this summer following the expiry of the lease. 

A spokesman for B&Q said: "The landlord has secured planning permission to redevelop the site and to occupy the B&Q unit themselves."

Sudbury Mercury: Plans for a B&M at the site were given the go-ahead in 2020Plans for a B&M at the site were given the go-ahead in 2020 (Image: Google Maps)

Staff at the store have been made aware of the proposal.

Richard Walgate, director of central division at B&Q, said: "Our team of 32 B&Q colleagues have been serving the Sudbury community, helping them to improve and enjoy their homes, for over 12 years.

"They would very much like to continue to serve the local residents and we are continuing to look for an alternative store location in the area.

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“In the meantime, we look forward to continuing to welcome our Sudbury customers to our Woodhall Business Park store, and I would like to thank our colleagues for their ongoing hard work and commitment.”

The store is to close on Saturday, July 20.

Proposals to divide the store and create two commercial units, one of which would be a B&M discount store, were given the go-ahead in 2020.

Three further retail units were approved for the opposite end of the car park. 

Part of the premises will also be demolished.