FROZEN food giant Iceland is on the verge of moving in to the old Woolworths store in the centre of Ammanford, the Guardian can exclusively reveal.

Sources have told the Guardian that a deal is imminent and an official announcement is expected shortly.

The store has been empty since the closure of Woolworths at the start of the year and, despite Iceland denying any interest two months ago, it now appears the company has decided to move to the town.

County councillor Hugh Evans is delighted with the news and said the move provided much-needed evidence that Ammanford has a bright future.

“I really feel that we’re on the way up,” he said.

“Members of the town council were handing out entry forms for the gardening competition in Quay Street on Friday and the amount of people coming into Ammanford from outside the town was great to see.

Obviously, with the potential of Iceland coming as well, it can only act as a bonus.

“It will attract more people into town and that’s a great thing. I really think it is great news.”

Iceland’s anticipated - although still-to-be confirmed - decision to move to the town would bring an end to six months of rumours and denials regarding the future of the Woolworths store.

Pub giant JD Wetherspoon was the first to rule itself out of the prime Quay Street location and it was soon followed by clothing chain Primark.