An opening date has been confirmed for the opening of a new B&M store inside a disused Wilko unit.

The discount retailer applied for a premises licence last week in a bid to sell alcohol from the empty store space at Rainham shopping centre.

The space has been unoccupied since Wilko went into administration in September.

Later the same month B&M announced it had agreed to buy 51 of the fallen retailer’s shops across the country.

The shop floor had also flooded since with a water leak being left unattended.

Other stores in the precinct had expressed their hopes for a new neighbour soon after fears over a drop in footfall following Wilko’s exit from the town.

Alison Tindall, who works for Ascot Flowers opposite, previously said: “The leak hasn’t affected us, but the store’s closure has.

“There’s not as much footfall now and it’s so dark when we lock up at night. You can’t see who’s about.

“We hope a new business moves in soon.”

The budget retailer has since confirmed it will be opening its doors on February 23.

Currently, the nearest B&M store is in Medway Street. Chatham.

B&M has been approached for further details.