VIRGIN Megastore in Church Square Shopping Centre, St Helens, have confirmed reports that the branch is to close at the end of June. A spokesman at the company's head office in London, told the Star: "The lease on the premises is up for renewal this year and after looking at the branch's performance figures, it was decided not to renew.

"All the staff have been notified about the closure and will be kept informed of any job vacancies in other branches around the area or further afield."

River Island and the Arcadia Group, the company which owns Top Shop, have both denied rumours that they are to close their St Helens branches.