JOHN Lewis has emphatically ruled out hopes of a Worcester store - saying it has no intention of considering investing in the city centre.

The giant retailer has told the Worcester News it was left disappointed by the failure of a major out-of-town shopping plaza to get approval, and has "no plans to consider other investment opportunities".

The stance is a serious blow to city leaders, who insist the conversation must continue after the £150 million Worcester Woods retail park bid was rejected.

Ever since the 13-unit plaza, set for acres of fields off Newtown Road, was turned down by the planning committee last June council leaders and retailers were hoping John Lewis would turn its attentions to the city centre.

But the store says it is looking elsewhere, just three weeks after we revealed how Worcester Woods' developer Land Securities has decided against appealing to national planning inspectors over it site, pictured below.

Worcester News:

A John Lews spokesman said: "Our development plans for a John Lewis shop in Worcester were centred on the Worcester Woods development.

"We have no plans to consider other investment opportunities in the city."

Worcester MP Robin Walker has responded by urging city leaders to not give up, and insists there are alternatives.

He has even suggested Worcester Bus Station could be relocated, with John Lewis taking up a big store on that site - pointing to the large existing units above ground level within the CrownGate estate.

"I'd hope that this is a case of John Lewis simply sticking to the position it had before Worcester Woods was rejected," he said.

"While there was still a possibility of a Worcester Woods appeal, they may well have been under a contract with the developer and be legally obliged to that scheme, which is perfectly normal and understandable.

"I hope that's the case here, and that they think very carefully about the city centre.

"They would have seen the success of the Waitrose store in Worcester and I know they have looked at this city - everything points to Worcester being an excellent location.

"I hope they will rethink, because there are options for them."

The Labour leadership at Worcester City Council has also issued a plea to the store to have direct dialogue.

Councillor Geoff Williams, cabinet member for economic prosperity and growth, said: "I would encourage John Lewis to continue a conversation with the city council about locating in Worcester, preferably in the city centre.

"Such a development would be a huge boost for the retail offer of the city."

The Worcester Woods scheme would have sat a stones throw from Worcestershire royal, with an M&S, Next and Sainsbury's all signed up.

Worcester News:

But it was blocked after planning officers leapt on an independent report which warned of economic damage to the city centre.