A DORSET Wilko has been SAVED from imminent closure as a deal has been reached with another budget brand. 

Ferndown's Wilko, which just this morning it was announced would be closing on Sunday, September 17, will remain open, administrators have said. 

Poundland owner Pepco has agreed to buy up to 71 Wilko stores, including Ferndown, following the collapse of the high street chain.  

The shop will reopen under the Poundland brand at a time that is unknown at present. 

Edward Williams, joint administrator, said: “Alongside the previously announced agreement with B&M, we’re confident this sale will create a platform for future employment opportunities for people including current Wilko team members at up to 122 locations. 

“We will continue to engage with other retailers around any interest in other Wilko sites and are confident of completing a sale of the brand and intellectual property within the coming days.” 

Workers at the stores will not be transferred directly as part of the move, but Poundland has said it will “prioritise” existing Wilko workers for roles when the shops are opened under the new brand.

Poundland managing director Barry Williams said: “In the coming weeks we will work quickly with landlords so we can open these stores as Poundland’s with the new ranges that have been pivotal to our recent development.

“And once that process is complete, we will ensure a significant number of the Wilko colleagues will join our Poundland team.

“We recognise the last few weeks have been difficult for them and we will move quickly to secure new consents from landlords so we can offer them the certainty they deserve.”

The shops in Boscombe, Poole and Winton are still expected to close. 

People in Ferndown had feared the closure of Wilko would lead to a decline in footfall in Victoria Road, especially with next door neighbour Nightjar expected to close this month.