A question mark hangs over the future of a Welshpool town centre premises after it closed its doors for the final time this weekend.

The Sainsburys store on Brook Street and Jehu Road now stands empty, 14 years after the retailer took over the premises from previous tenants Kwik-Save in 2007.

The store is in the process of being emptied by general contractors Dartmouth, who have fenced off the store's car park while the work is carried out, a process which is expected to take around two weeks.

Estate agents have now listed the 11,519 Sq Ft premises at nearly £10,000 a month, in the hopes of finding a tenant for the remainder of the lease on the building, which expires in October 2031.

Tesco, Morrisons and Aldi already operate stores in the town, and several other major retailers contacted by the County Times this week have ruled out any interest in moving into Powys.

One large chain store, who did not wish to be named on the record said: "We are aware of this opportunity, however we don’t currently have any plans for a store in Welshpool."

Welshpool town councillor Richard Church paid tribute to the staff at the store, who he described as "friendly and helpful."

"Thank you to all the staff of Sainsbury's Welshpool for their good service, kindness and cheerfulness for many years, but particularly over recent weeks leading up to the store closing on Saturday," he said.

"Many of us will miss Sainsbury's, particularly elderly people on this side of Welshpool who will have much further to walk for their shopping.

"I dropped a card off to the staff today, and I know many others have also passed on their thanks and best wishes to them.

"Most of the 25 staff have yet to find jobs. I hope they are able to find something soon, and for anyone looking for friendly helpful shop staff they can be recommended the many customers who have wished them well."

Last month, county councillor Phil Pritchard said he hoped a new retail tenant could be found for the 11,519 Sq Ft premises, but so far none have been forthcoming.

Cardiff-based property advisers Fletcher Morgan, who have listed the property, say the store is in a "strong supporting location" to Welshpool town centre.

"The subject property is located in a strong supporting location to the west of the town centre adjacent to High Street with prominent frontage to Brook Street,” a listing on the firm’s website reads.

"The subject property comprises a purpose-built supermarket arranged over ground floor sales area with lower ground floor storage/ancillary together with on-site car parking."