Poundland should, all work being on schedule, be open well in time for Christmas in Midsomer Norton.

The national brand has taken over the former M&Co on the High Street and has now work began on converting the store, which was operating on two levels before it closed in April.

The work started on October 2 and will involve twelve contractors and up to 20 people on site at any one time and is scheduled to take six weeks so it should open in time for the Midsomer Norton carnival in November.

It is the latest in a big brand to come to Midsomer Norton along with the possibility of McDonalds taking over this - the empty Argos store.

That has been empty for three years since Argos moved operations into the Sainsbury's store at the top of the High Street.

When Midsomer Norton Nub News revealed the big brand who had applied for a change of use for the store as being McDonalds, the comments were fast and sometimes furious. We had over 250 comments to our social media post in the first few hours.

A taste of what the coming of the big M meant for Midsomer Norton?

 I know MCD not for everyone but it sells and is very popular.. So with that brings people .. so who knows what other businesses will come .. but Midsomer Norton... God not another one and where are they going to park, its bad enough as it is, and what about the litter? Another kick in the guts for our fabulous independent cafes...

Good for all ?

The Mayor of Midsomer Norton, who did not want to comment on the McDonalds application, which will be discussed at the Town Council meeting on Monday (October 16) told us:

"Midsomer Norton has seen several national brands move to the town in recent years joining the many excellent independent shops already on the High Street. Whether people are looking to buy gifts, model trains, vinyl records, sports equipment, toys (for children or pets) there's something for everyone. Our monthly Farmer's Market featuring 18 local producers continues to thrive and we have many excellent cafés and restaurants including a wonderful Library with toilet facilities.

A successful High Street must offer variety to encourage as many people as possible to visit and spend time there. With the Cinema soon returning to the refurbished Town Hall, and a market Square being developed at the Island, hopefully the well-known brands will attract people from the wider area allowing visitors to discover the many delights on offer in our wonderful town. "

According to the Local Democracy Reporter it is not yet clear if the decision on whether to allow McDonalds to come into town will be made by councillors or it will be delegated to officials. Either way the company is not expected to start operating in the town until 2025.