A NATIONAL discount chain is set to become the latest business to move out of Bishop Auckland town centre.

Home Bargains, based in Newgate Street, will close on Friday, June 30.

It is believed the staff will be transferred to its other store on the out-of-town Bishop Auckland Retail Park, at St Helen Auckland.

Beales department store closed at Christmas but in recent years the town centre has lost a number of national companies, including Marks and Spencer, McDonald’s, Mothercare, Gamestation, Thorntons, Millets and Internacionale.

With the creation of the open air spectacular Kynren - An Epic Tale of England and plans by the Auckland Castle Trust to make Bishop Auckland into a tourism destination there have been a number of independent businesses open in the town.

Many owners are positive about the future of the area with the Mining Art Gallery, in the Market Place, set to open in the Summer and the refurbishment of Auckland Castle due for completion next year.

There are also plans in place for a new welcome tower at the entrance to Auckland Castle and a Spanish Art Gallery, also in the Market Place.

The town’s market has been revamped and Bishop Auckland Town Team also hold a series of events each year, including the car show and Christmas lights switch-on.