Reports reached GTN Xtra this week that Lechlade and Cheddar Garden Centres have become The Garden Centre Group’s latest acquisitions, following weeks of speculation.

Both outlets are owned by Bristol-based Park Garden Centres, whose other centre at Almondsbury is not part of the deal.

As this issue of GTN Xtra neared its deadline, Park proprietor Phil Hodges was not available to confirm the story, but we understand that staff have been informed.

Meanwhile, speculation has been increasing this week that the Garden & Leisure Group, which owns nearby Cadbury and six other centres, were close to a deal with a potential buyer.