THE upcoming closure of the town centre Argos shop has sparked a big reaction from Star readers.

The Hardshaw Centre store is to close its doors in the new year.

An Argos spokeswoman said to the Star: "We can confirm the Argos store in the Hardshaw Centre will be closing in the New Year. All colleagues are being offered the opportunity to redeploy to our nearby stores in Widnes and Ravenhead Retail Rark".

Readers expressed sadness over the news and concerns over another closure on the high street.

Among them was James Mcfarlane, who said: "That side of the street will be terrible looking picture of bleak town which we already know it is. Argos empty, Wooly's empty then Mark's empty.

"That's like one-third of empty shops opposite the church. I think they have to move bus station to near Ravenhead (because) that's where everything is going to end up."

Meanwhile, David Gerrard wrote: "The cause is retail parks. It’s as simple as that.

"The shops like them. The public like them as they can drive to them instead of walking.

"It’s as simple as that."

Fran Liptrot added: "The town is empty! Other towns are suffering the same, not just St Helens.

Widnes retail is ‘attached’ to its town so it appears to work for them.

"Anyone who doesn’t visit town often can't really complain. It's no good just blaming the councils. Online shopping is the biggest cause."

And Christopher Nevitt said: "I go to the retail park branch as it's free parking and a lot more convenient. I hate going into town with a passion because of the parking, they should at least offer short stay parking for free."