BARGAIN store Poundland is to open a store on Canvey.

The discount chain has will open up within the next three months.

Poundland refused to reveal details about the exact location of the shop.

Details about the number of jobs will also be revealed at a later date.

Traders believe having a big - ame retailer on the island will be a boost.

Robert Palmer, owner of Back 2 Bed, in Canvey Road, said: “I think it’s good to have variety and the more of the bigger names we can have, the better.

“A large number of people will head off the island on to the mainland just to do their shopping, which isn’t particularly great for our High Street.

“I must say I am guilty of doing the same thing sometimes if there is something specific that I am looking for.

“I am not saying we should just turn Canvey into another Lakeside, but just having a few big brands there can help us.”

“It will also be good for smaller shops, as it means more shoppers will be coming here. It’s like the estate agent principle, stick a few similar shops in a row and the business will be spread out.

“Provided they don’t all sell exactly the same thing, then it would work well for Canvey.”

Currently, the closest Poundland store is in Pitsea.

Martin Dawson, Poundland’s retail director, said: “Poundland has grown significantly over the past 12 months and it’s fantastic to see this expansion continuing with a new store on Canvey.

“We’re looking forward to opening our doors.”

Applications for vacancies at the store can be found at www.poundlandcareers.co.uk