SHOPPERS at the Chilterns Shopping Centre can expect a major name to replace Marks and Spencer when it moves, says the centre's manager.

Bill Pollard, from the centre, says owners Royal London were already looking for a new store to fill M&S's shoes, on the corner of Castle Street and Priory Road.

On Tuesday our sister paper Midweek revealed High Wycombe is to get a new Marks & Spencer store, as part of the £150 million western sector redevelopment.

The news is a blow to the Chilterns centre but Mr Pollard remained confident.

He said: "We are quite sure that we will be able to bring in another national retailer that will enhance what we have in Wycombe.

"We are positive about what is going to happen."

Mr Pollard said the centre was aware M&S was contemplating a move to the western sector.

He said: "This has not come out of the blue and we have began looking. I am sure the people of Wycombe will be pleased with who we bring in."

Despite M&S announcing a move to the western sector redevelopment, Mr Pollard said he backed the plan.

He said: "It is going to be very exciting and a chance for the Chilterns centre and the town to move forward together. The new development will bring more people to Wycombe and more people to the Chilterns."

Marks and Spencer is the only big High Street name in the Chilterns to announce it is leaving but others will be attracted to the western sector.

Popular fashion store Next is one of the centre's other big names, but would not be drawn on its future. A spokesman for the store said: "The development is still a long way off. We are not able to say if we will be part of it."

The shopping development has outline planning permission to be built between Desborough Road and Oxford Road.