READERS are in agreement with the chairman of a town centre business group who labelled the decision for Poundland to remain in its Dalton Road home as ‘fantastic’.

The discount chain praised Barrow as it announced a U-turn on a decision to close its town centre store.

The company previously said its Dalton Road store would be closing after it failed to agree a new lease with the building's landlord.

But it has now announced the store is staying open, in a move welcomed by the chairman of a town centre business group.

Colin Garnett, the chairman of Barrow's Business Improvement District, was pleased by the announcement.

He said: "We welcome the news that Poundland will be remaining on Barrow's high street.

"It is fantastic news for the employees and great news for the town.

"I encourage local people to continue to support Poundland and the variety of national and independent retailers located in the town centre."

Residents have been largely supportive of the decision.

Ange Carter said: “A lot of people in that area depend on this shop, good news.”

Anthony Perkins said: “In these times of austerity and rising costs of living, we need budget retailers full stop.”

Patricia Whyte said: “Thank goodness!!”

Nicole Goodwin said: “I am happy with the news. I was gutted it was to close as that would be another on Dalton Road / Portland Walk gone from the town centre however it makes me feel sorry for the staff members as I can imagine a lot of them would of worried about losing their jobs and already applied for other jobs now they will have to make the hard decision on whether to stay or to go onto a new job.”

Others weren’t quite as positive about the decision.

What’s it all about said: “Get rid of. Not much good anyway we need quality shops not crap.”

Furness Abbot said: “U-turn? More like the contents of a U bend.”