ST HELENS retail sector will be given a boost when a sportswear chain moves to a larger store in the town's main shopping centre.

JD Sports will relocate from Church Street to the site of the former Scotts store at Church Square.

Workmen have been transforming the building in recent months and a spokesman for Church Square Shopping Centre said the move was now "a few weeks away".

The shopping centre received a positive reaction last week with the opening of the Millie's Cookies outlet.

Church Square Shopping Centre manager Steven Brogan said: “I am delighted that JD Sports is moving to a larger unit in the centre, as they require more floor space to expand their premises.

“This is a prime spot within the shopping centre, previously occupied by Scotts, which has also moved to another Church Square Shopping Centre unit.

“The reconfiguration will enable us to attract another retailer, when JD Sports moves from its present store on Church Street. 

"The new store is due to open in summer and follows the recent opening of fashion retailers H&M and Fat Face, plus food outlet Millie’s Cookies. “

Meanwhile, there are hopes the BHS store, one of the biggest units in the town centre, could be saved as part of any rescue deal to for the retailer, which slipped into administration last month.

Improving the town centre remains one of the biggest debating points among Star readers. Council chiefs have a long term strategy to vastly remodel the heart of the town but in the short term the ambition is to "hold on to what we have" and attract new businesses.

Currently, TJ Hughes is edging closer to opening in the Hardshaw Centre, while Enterprise Credit Union has invested significantly to open a branch on Hardshaw Street.

Entrepreneurs are also believed to be eyeing the former Tyrers building, though sources say a deal has yet to be struck.