CONFUSION has emerged over the future of the old Woolworths store in Ely after it was announced that both Tesco and fashion chain M & Co, have expressed an interest in moving in to the store.

CONFUSION has emerged over the future of the old Woolworths store in Ely after it was announced that both Tesco and fashion chain M & Co, have expressed an interest in moving in to the store.

Information released last week suggested that Tesco, believed to be the owners of the Market Place store, was set to open a new Express outlet, but news emerged on Thursday that M & Co had re-ignited its interest in the store and were pressing ahead with staff recruitment.

A spokesman for M & Co declined to comment on the company's plans for the store, but posters advertising the move have been placed outside the building.

Tesco meanwhile have published notices around the Market Place advertising their application for a new alcohol license for the store, submitted to East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC)last week.

A spokesman for ECDC confirmed that an application had been received and that planning chiefs would in contact with Tesco, which is believed to own the property, to clarify its intentions for the store.