A MAJOR clothes retailer has revealed the outcome of discussions over opening a store in Barrow.

Earlier this month The Mail revealed consultants working on behalf of clothes retailer Primark had flagged up the opportunity of opening a store in Barrow.

Primark has in the past expressed an interest in opening a Barrow store but its specific requirements, namely the need for a sufficiently-sized high street location, have failed to identify any suitable premises.

However, when M&S closes its store in Dalton Road in Spring 2020, following its move to a Foodhall-only unit in Ulverston, the vacant store could potentially be big enough for a Primark.

Although a spokeswoman for Primark said the firm does not comment on speculation the response from the Barrow public was sufficient to spark discussions about the prospect of taking over the M&S store.

More than 2,000 readers voted in our online poll which asked if they wanted Primark to open in the former M&S.

Out of 2,052 votes 88 per cent of those polled said 'yes'.

Paul Gagan from Eddisons, who act as the property and asset managers for all 60 Primark sublets across the UK, spoke to The Mail at the time and vowed to raise the prospect of opening a store in Barrow with the chain.

Sadly, in an update to The Mail, Mr Gagan revealed Barrow had not been seen as a priority location for the clothes retailer.

He said: "Whilst the keen interest is appreciated, my client has indicated that Barrow is not on their preferred list of target trading destinations at this time."

The Mail understands the M&S building in Dalton Road contains a significant amount of asbestos and any development would come at a considerable cost.