DIY giant B&Q has cheekily taken advantage of rival Homebase closing a store nearby – with signs directing shoppers to its nearest branch in Ellesmere Port.

A passer-by took this photo, showing the empty Homebase unit in Tebay Road, Bromborough.

Two signs inside apologise that the store is closed – and three bright orange posters plastered to the window inform customers that their nearest B&Q is in Station Road, Ellesmere Port, “Less than a mile away”.

Homebase announced last autumn that it was closing a quarter of its stores after a review by its parent company found failings in its sales performance.

Home Retail Group, which also owns Argos, said the number of stores would fall by around 25%, a loss of about 80 outlets up to 2018.

It said there was “a three-year plan” for Homebase to revitalise the business for the future”.

A company spokesman said at the time: “These changes are necessary to make Homebase a stronger business for the future.”