FASHION giant New Look is in talks about moving into North Swindon District Centre when the Borders book shop closes next month.

The retailer already has one of its 162 stores in Regent Street in the town centre but would not confirm whether that shop would stay or go if the new outlet opened.

It did, however, confirm that it was discussing a possible North Swindon store.

The Adver revealed Borders was due to shut up shop yesterday, as store bosses announced the sale of five of its sites to ‘a major fashion retailer’, including its flagship store on London’s Oxford Street.

A New Look spokeswoman said the retailer was in discussions about the potential move, but added: “We can’t confirm this will happen until the contracts have been exchanged.

“We are in discussions but we cannot say anything further.”

While a deal is thrashed out between the two retailers, staff at Borders’ Starbucks in North Swindon must wait to see what the future holds.

Starbucks bosses have not yet decided whether to relocate the store, which is one of three in Swindon. A spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Starbucks coffeehouse within Borders in Swindon’s Orbital Shopping Park has been affected by Borders’ store closure announcement, and that all our employees have been informed.

“We are currently considering our options. However, we have not made any final decisions.”

Coun Peter Stoddart (Abbey Meads, Con) said he was saddened by Borders’ closure as it had become a popular meeting place for mums and children.

“I really enjoy the shop,” he added. “It has an absolute wealth of literature, and with Starbucks situated on the mezzanine platform inside, you could really spend hours in there if you wanted.

“Many a time I have been in there and seen mums and young children looking through the books then having a snack in the coffee shop.

“It is really very sad that we’ll soon be saying goodbye to such a good store.”

Although pleased that the empty unit might soon be may soon be filled, Coun Stoddart said he wished it could have been a similar retailer to the one departing.

“It says a lot about our cultural priorities,” he added.

“We’ll have an abundance of clothing stores in North Swindon and nowhere to buy a good book.

“Of course, we have an Asda Walmart and the town centre has Waterstones and WHSmith, but they don’t have the volume of books that Borders has to offer.”