COMPUTER giant PC World looks set to close its York superstore and relocate to Clifton Moor.

The firm wants to open a new store next to the old Ikon and Diva nightclub, on the outskirts of the city.

A spokesman for the retailer's agent said the new shop was due to open next February, and would replace the existing one at Monks Cross.

The agent's spokesman said: "We are at quite an early stage at the moment - we've not even done any drawings yet."

The firm's parent company, Dixons Stores Group, has applied to City of York Council for permission to erect an advertising sign at their new site.

The address on the application is given as "PC World, new retail unit, Clifton Moor."

Earlier this year, The Press reported that Debenhams may be moving to Monks Cross, after an application was submitted to turn its Davygate store in the city centre into flats and smaller shops.

It was suggested then that they may move into the PC World store at Monks Cross.

Katherine Sharp, manager of the Monks Cross Shopping Park, was taken by surprise at the news that one of her biggest stores could be moving.

She told The Press: "I've heard this for the first time from you and not them.

"It is obviously very disappointing for us and I'm surprised."

She said that the last time she had spoken to the manager of the 20,000 sq ft PC World at Monks Cross, she was told there were no known plans to move and that the business was trading very well there.

Three years ago the Dixons group, which now owns PC World, shut down many Dixons branches, including one at Monks Cross.

Soon there would be no dedicated computer sales there, although nearby Asda did sell some computer items.

She had not had an approach from Debenhams.

"It would be nice to have the store here, but I don't want to detract from the offering in the city centre," she said.