REDDITCH is rife with speculation about what will replace the town's beloved M&S.

Rumours started last week after boards appeared on the old store, which the centre had only just got back after M&S moved out in 2018.

It was reported that building work had started.

Among wild speculation there are suggestions Next could move in, Wilko, a Sainsburys, nearby Muffin Break, the Range, or part could be split into different units.

There are also rumours that an M&S food shop could appear.

However, there is still no definite answer.

This paper has tried to get a response from the management of the shopping centre, but all attempts have been met with a refusal to comment.

The Advertiser revealed in January 2018 that M&S, an "integral" part of the town, announced that it was closing its store.

All 66 colleagues who worked at the branch moved to nearby stores.

At the time a spokesman said the closure was part of M&S’s programme to modernise its UK store estate to better meet the changing needs of customers.