Aspokesman for the company this week confirmed their interest and said it was "one of dozens of stores nationally we are looking at."

He stressed that they had not decided yet whether they would be taking it on.

"It is simply an evaluation process," he said.

However, it wouldn't be the first time B&M has opened up in an old Woolworths store – they did it earlier this year at Bulwell, near Nottingham.

They also have numerous stores in towns similar to Worksop, with several close by, including Retford, Gainsborough and Doncaster.

Earlier this week shoppers spotted groups of people in suits and office wear at the store, who were inside the open doorway measuring up and taking notes.

Initially, when approached by the Guardian, none of them would say who they were working for.

However, B&M later confirmed it was them.

The Worksop premises would be ideally suited to their needs.

At least 1,000 people will be disappointed if they do open up in the Woolworth premsies – they signed a Facebook petition calling on Primark to move in.

The news will also interest Worksop's rival hardware giants Wilkinson, who have a similar store just yards away inside the Priory Centre.

However, when contacted by the Guardian, Wilkinson said they did not comment on rival businesses.

Parent company B&M Retail are based in Blackpool and have been established 30 years.

They sell branded products, including toys, health and beauty products and DVDs, at low prices – very similar to Woolworths, in fact.

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