THIS week has seen another significant step forward for Basingstoke, and the town centre in particular, with the arrival of Primark.

The reopening of the anchor store site in The Malls – formerly occupied by Allders – is a milestone and one that enhances the mix at this end of town where Boots, Sainsbury’s, Wilkinson and another recent newcomer, Starbucks, are now all located.

Primark director Breege O’Donoghue is clearly glad her company has found a fitting landmark site to trade from in Basingstoke – and if first-day trading is anything to go by, there are plenty of shoppers who are delighted that Primark is finally here.

The arrival of Primark is another important piece in the town’s retail jigsaw. Its presence will give many people another reason to shop locally rather than further afield, and that can only be good for the whole town centre economy.