"Another B&M in Preston!?": Your reaction to B&M replacing Homebase at Preston Docks

Some of you were saddened to learn of another retailer shutting up shop in Preston, but the promise of a new B&M store has been welcomed by many.

But as well as excitement at the range of bargains to be had at B&M, many readers also spared a thought for those staff who are set to lose their jobs just days before Christmas.

And with three B&M's already thriving elsewhere in the city, some of you asked, "is another large discount store in Preston really necessary?"

This is what you said...

Emma Gordon is one local resident who said she would welcome the addition of B&M at the docks.

She said: "Brilliant, the docks is going to have much more to offer with this, Starbucks and talks of Aldi at the soon to be old DFS site."

"That is going to be one giant B&M!! They are taking over!," said Ian Melling.

"But do we really need another B&M store!?," asked Jane Moyes, who pointed out that Preston is already well served by the discount retailer.

...And the answer appears to be a resounding "yes!" from many of you, who are excited at the variety of discounted food, drink, toys and homewares on offer at B&M.

"OMG I'm so excited about this!!," said Sarah Clark, "just need a Home Bargains as well!!"

"Blimey they are taking over the world!," said Janet Yeadon, adding: "Never know what you need till B&M tells you!"

But others said they would have preferred to see a different retailer set up shop, instead of another B&M.

"Primark anyone?", said Jodie Daniels. "Surely that would be better than ANOTHER B&M!?"

Jen Elias agreed with Jodie, saying: "I love B&M but 4 in a fairly small city is daft. Oh well."

Simon Holland added: "Another B&M? Preston is going down the pan!"

And Elsie Dawn thinks the opening of B&M is likely to lead to further traffic problems around the Docks at peak times.

She said: "There's 3 not far away. Traffic is horrendous already."

Many also spared a thought for the staff who are expecting to lose their jobs just days before Christmas.

"What a shame for the staff," said Katy Jane. "So close to Christmas too."

One worried staff member has already expressed her concern at the timing of the closure.

"We are all being made redundant, just before Xmas!," she said.

And Hayley Williams said: "Hopefully the staff at Homebase will at least be guaranteed an interview for the new B&M store, you'd think?"

What do you think? Are you excited that another B&M is coming to Preston? If not, what shop would you like to have seen replacing Homebase? And will the DIY retailer be missed?

The Lancashire Post is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

For unlimited access to Lancashire news and information online, you can subscribe here.