HOME improvement and DIY giant Wickes is set to open a store in a Cheshire town creating 20 new jobs.

The company is planning to set up shop in the former B&M building on Bowers Retail Park on Earle Road, Widnes, with B&M having itself recently moved to the former Range store across the way on Dennis Road, citing a need for more space and an outdoor garden centre.

Signs have now appeared outside the former B&M site for a new Wickes store, and roles have been advertised online – with a wage of £10.42 being offered for customer service staff. The company has confirmed it will be opening the new store in the coming months.

Sarah Taitt, Wickes property director, told the World: "We are thrilled to be opening a new Wickes store in Widnes this autumn.

"As a proud digitally-led, service-enabled retailer, the new store will create over 20 new roles and offer residents of Widnes and the surrounding areas a wide range of home improvement products, services, and expert advice from our knowledgeable staff.”

A job advert posted online for the new roles, said: “You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us.”

It added: “Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an employee assistance programme, financial education and loans, and access to parental, menopause, and fertility support.”

Wickes opened its first store in the USA in 1854, with its first UK shop opening in 1972.

It now has 230 stores nationwide and specialises in home improvements and trade supplies.

Its move to Widnes will complete something of a merry-go-round of moves, closures and openings in that part of the town, with the former B&Q having closed several years ago to become a Range, which then itself closed and made way for B&M – with B&M's vacated site now set to be filled by Wickes.