A BARGAIN shop which was forced to close suddenly more than a year ago is not expected to open until at least next spring.

Worcester’s only Poundland store shut its doors 15 months ago after it was revealed repairs needed to be carried out to Angel House in Broad Street.

The Crown Estate, which owns the city centre building, said it is carrying out the ‘first phase’ of repairs but still needs to investigate the extent of the damage and does not expect the Poundland store to open until spring 2023.

Angel House closed in May last year to allow for renovation work but was left in a “hazardous” condition and at risk of collapse following Storm Arwen in November.

It led to the closure of a section of Broad Street for about a week while emergency works were carried out.

Scaffolding was installed to make the building safe with more works planned before the building can reopen.

A spokesperson for the Crown Estate, which runs Crowngate Shopping Centre, said: “We are currently undertaking the first phase of repair works at Angel House, which involves further investigative surveys to ascertain the best course of action for the remaining work.

“Once we have these results, we will be in a better position to share a detailed and firm programme of our activity, but at this stage, we expect work to be finished in spring 2023.

“We are working closely with Poundland, and all those affected, to ensure it can re-open as soon as possible.

“To ensure local businesses are kept up to date about the works, we are sharing regular email updates and holding regular in-person information sessions.”

Battering rains and high winds from Storm Arwen forced Worcestershire County Council to close Broad Street for more than a week in the run-up to Christmas over fears the front of Angel House could collapse.

Earlier this year, Poundland said it remained committed to the city centre and was “working closely” with the Crown Estate to ensure the Broad Street store re-opened as soon as possible.

The ongoing repair work to the Broad Street building has come under fire with scaffolding branded a “monstrosity” by neighbouring traders.

Rachel Evans, owner of New England Country Store in Broad Street, said she was frustrated by the “eyesore” obstructing the view of her shop.

The owners of Toys and Games of Worcester criticised the work saying “no serious effort to engage, assist or recompense traders” had been made.