HELSTON'S worst kept secret has been confirmed as pub giant J.D. Wetherspoon has confirmed that it will be moving into the Oliver & Son furniture shop on Coinagehall Street.
The company has said that it will be converting the shop if planning and licensing applications are successful.
Ever since J.D. Wetherspoon announced that it is looking to move into Helston, there has been strong speculation that the current Oliver & Son shop was first choice as it is believed to be one of the only venues big enough to house the pub.
Businesses in the town have so far reacted with surprising indifference to the prospect of the pub moving to the area.
With hundreds of pubs across the country, Wetherspoon prides itself on cheap drinks and food and its atmosphere.
The competition of a national chain is a prospect that locals weren't expected to agree with, yet many have revealed their indifference to the prospect.
Many have expressed their belief that Wetherspoon will draw people into the town and boost, rather than hinder business.
Aaron Martin, manager of the Angel Hotel, said: "As a hotel our bar trade isn't massive so we're not too worried there, but if Wetherspoon coming to Helston means more people are attracted to the town centre and want to stay with us then great.
"We offer a different type of food to Wetherspoon so if people want to eat cheaply then they'll go there, if they want to eat good-quality food, then they will stay and dine with us."
John Waddoups, landlord at the Bell Inn, acknowledged that Wetherspoon may affect local trade, but wasn't too bothered by the plans.
He said: "I'm not too worried about Wetherspoon coming to the town as I have a good pub, though others may struggle a bit."
A spokesman from the Coffee Bean Restaurant said: "I think that the news that Wetherspoon might be coming to the town is just one of those things. I'm not overly concerned because after all it may end up improving the town centre, so right now I'm undecided what I think about it."
