B&Q have responded to the announcement that was made today by its owner, Kingfisher, that 'nothing has changed' with the store that is due to open in Oxford.

A B&Q spokesperson said: "Nothing has changed and we remain committed to the Oxford area. The planning process is still on pending approval."  

Kingfisher said this morning that it is looking for a new CEO of B&Q following the closure of stores and plunge in annual profits.

It also said it is considering axing another 15 stores group-wide over the next two years on top of plans to shut all 19 Screwfix outlets in Germany, leaving it with just an online presence for the brand in that country.

But the B&Q store that is due to open at Seacourt Retail Park off the Botley Road, this year, is safe.

There has been a rise in empty shops in Oxford over the past six months.