A DISCOUNT store in Taunton town centre is celebrating after bosses reversed their decision to close the outlet.

Bargain Buys, in North Street, was all set to close until an 11th hour change of mind by its owner Poundstretcher.

Bosses made the U turn after renegotiating their lease on the large premises, previously home to the former Bhs.

They now say the store, which opened in November 2018, will continue trading "for the foreseeable future".

Staff will celebrate the decision on Saturday (July 31) by handing out free goodie bags to customers at the store entrance - on a first come, first served basis).

The store is also donating £200 worth of vouchers to Taunton Foodbank.

Marketing manager Loo Loo Rose said: “We’re pleased to announce we’ll be keeping our Taunton Bargain Buys store open.

"This store is important to the community of Somerset and it would have been heart-breaking for customers and staff alike to see it close down, so we’re thrilled to be able to keep the store open.

"We’ve renegotiated a new lease and are excited to keep Taunton as part of the Poundstretcher/Bargain Buys family.”

Property and legal director Gerry Loughran said: “We had such a positive response from customers when they found out we were closing we decided to commit to the future of Taunton’s High Street and wanted to stay permanently.

"We agreed new terms with our friendly landlord and will now be here for years serving excellent value for money to the good people of Taunton."

Staff who had feared losing their jobs when the closure was initially announced were delighted to received letters from the company telling them the store was not closing after all.