Confirmation that Bury St Edmunds' Wilko store is to close next week has prompted speculation that the building could return to its former use - as a busy supermarket.

It was originally built for 1970s chain Key Markets which was taken over by Gateway in the 1980s - and then became Somerfield.

Wilko took over the building in the 2000s - but now there is speculation that German-owned discount chain Lidl could bring a supermarket back to the site.

It was confirmed on Monday that Wilko in Bury would close on September 17 - all the company's stores are to shut next week and the name will disappear from high streets across the country.

But Lidl is currently on a national expansion drive.

It opened a larger store in Ipswich at Futura Park at the end of last year and is due to open a third store in the county town on the Anglia Retail Park next summer.

Bury St Edmunds is one of the few large towns in the region that does not have a Lidl - and it is understood to have been looking for a site in the area.

East Anglian Daily Times: There is a large car park behind the store with easy access for trolleys.There is a large car park behind the store with easy access for trolleys. (Image: Google Maps)

Now a site that was built as a supermarket - and has a large car park next to it - has become vacant and the town's business community is hoping to find a new occupier very soon.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of BID company Our Bury St Edmunds said: "There's been speculation about Lidl coming there. I haven't heard more at this stage but that would be good for the town."

The site is on the edge of the town centre - but has very good car access from the inner ring road.

We have asked Lidl if they have any interest in the site - but are still awaiting a response to our query.