WE shared the news that a city leader hailed Carlisle a 'growing city', after the announcement of the arrival of the new Home Bargains store will take retail park Gateway 44 to full occupancy.

Here's how our readers reacted.

David Eyley said: "Hardly a mid or high range company is it. Okay, it is a shop that is opening in these days of more closing, and will offer day-to-day items at a good prices for those on a tight budget, which is great, but these are the shops that are in every retail park in the UK. Where are all the more up-market outlets, without having to go to Newcastle, Gretna or Glasgow?"

READ MORE: 'Growing city' says leader, as major retailer announce arrival for retail park

Marc McComb also said: "Is it really helping the city grow if it is taking business away from the few shops that remain in the city centre? Why not lower business rates and help out the small businesses that are struggling and possibly encourage others to open up?"

Tim Kirby said: "The city centre area looks tired and drab now," while Isobel Fenton added: "It's all very well opening these big out of town stores (which I've nothing against) but if more money isn't put into the town centre it's going to be the death of it sadly."

Pauline Scott commented: "No wonder city centre is empty when you keep allowing shops on the retail park. It would have been more to the council's credit to get them to open up in an empty shop in city centre."