One of the final reminders of one of Borehamwood's biggest former shops was taken down today.

Workmen were spotted removing the large black letters that spelt out 'Debenhams' at Borehamwood Shopping Park.

The department store closed down in the town in spring 2020 after the retailer failed to agree new terms with its landlord.

Debenhams has since gone on to close all of its stores with it now operating as an online brand after being taken over by online fashion retailer Boohoo.

Borehamwood Times: An archived image of Borehamwood Shopping Park when Debenhams was still operating after first opening in 2014An archived image of Borehamwood Shopping Park when Debenhams was still operating after first opening in 2014

The former Debenhams store in Borehamwood won't be lying empty forever.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that budget supermarket chain Lidl would be taking over the site, relocating from its current smaller store on the other side of the shopping park.

Today, a Lidl spokesperson confirmed the new store is on course to open next year.

Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Mike Devine, said: "We are delighted be bringing a new and bigger replacement store in Borehamwood in the retail park, which marks another milestone in our ambitious store expansion programme.

"We’ve seen incredible demand for Lidl stores across the country and look forward to offering our quality products and incredible value to shoppers, and hope to have the new store open by Summer 2022.

"We look forward to sharing more information with the local community in due course."

Borehamwood Times: A CGI of the Lidl store that has been approved in Elstree Way in BorehamwoodA CGI of the Lidl store that has been approved in Elstree Way in Borehamwood

Lidl also has planning permission to build a second store in Borehamwood - on the site of the former Donatantonio warehouse in Elstree Way.