WHSmith has responded to questions surrounding the future of its Barrow store.

A spokesman has confirmed there are no current plans to close or relocate the Barrow branch, which is currently based on Portland Walk.

An online advert sparked fears WHSmith was set to close its Barrow store.

A commercial property listing on Zoopla by agents Lambert Smith Hampton states the Portland Walk store is available for rent with an annual rate of £85,000.

Despite the fact the advert was published online and can be accessed by anyone, it includes a note stating the property is confidentially available as ‘staff are unaware’.

Founder and CEO at Farplace Animal Rescue, Gareth Edwards, based next to WHSmith, said: “We are currently based next door on a temporary occupancy.

“But if the main footfall driver next door was to go it probably won’t be worth us staying there.”

Mr Edwards: “We get a lot of customers because we’re based next to WHSmith, and our sales would be affected if it moved.

“If you go to right move and search for retail and barrow you will see the advert.

A WHSmith spokeswoman said: “We can confirm we have no current plans to close or relocate our store in Barrow-in-Furness.”

The Mail approached Lambert Smith Hampton for comment but have had no response.