A business leader in Lowestoft has vowed to continue work "to encourage investment" into the town centre.

Danny Steel, chair of Lowestoft Vision, made his pledge after high street retailer Wilko announced it would be closing its Lowestoft store next week.

Lowestoft Journal: Wilko in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesWilko in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The homeware retailer has been based on Gordon Road, Lowestoft since it created 88 new jobs when it opened in November 2009.

But, almost 14 years on, it will close its doors for good next Tuesday - with dozens of jobs set to be lost after Wilko went into administration.

Lowestoft Journal: Wilko in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesWilko in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Administrators for Wilko confirmed there will be redundancies - with 1,016 team members working at 52 sites affected.

Lowestoft Journal: Signs up at Wilko in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesSigns up at Wilko in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Signs have gone up at the Lowestoft branch of Wilko on Gordon Road, just off London Road North, highlighting "1000s of reductions throughout the store" with savings of "up to 60 per cent off" as part of the "Wilko administration sale."

Since opening in 2009, the value home and garden store - then known as Wilkinson and later rebranded in 2012 as Wilko - has been a staple for shoppers locally.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft Vision chairman Danny Steel. Picture: Lowestoft Vision BIDLowestoft Vision chairman Danny Steel. Picture: Lowestoft Vision BID (Image: Lowestoft Vision)

Expressing sadness ahead of the store's closure next week, Mr Steel - chairman and director of Lowestoft Vision, the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town, said: "The closure of Lowestoft’s Wilko store is certainly disappointing news and we extend our sympathies to those staff who have lost their jobs.

"Town centres up and down the land are grappling with the impact of profound structural changes, especially within the retail sector.

"Lowestoft Vision will continue working with partners to encourage investment in our town centre from as wide a range of companies as possible, whilst continuing to boost footfall from visitors and residents alike both on a day-to-day basis and via our very many special events.

"We believe Lowestoft has a bright future."