Signs have gone up suggesting that after almost three years of lying empty Helston's former Co-op building may finally have been sold.

A notice has been placed on a post outside the building in the Trengrouse Way car park, stating: "This site has been acquired by Cornish Deals.com Ltd."

It says the site will be opening in autumn 2020, following a period of refurbishment.

The sign concludes: "Thank you for your future business."

The Cornish Deals website appears to confirm this, announcing: "Helston site opening 2020!"

It continues with a message from 'Chris at Cornish Deals', saying: "I set this site up to save you money on clothing and shoes.

"Cheers for visiting and hope you save some cash (more to spend on pasties!)

"Chris @ Cornish Deals. Cornish Born & Bred - Kernow Bys Vyken!"

On the website there are links for discounted men's and "maid's" clothes and shoes.

The links lead to the Amazon Fashion website, with a message on the host site stating: "Cornish Deals is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk."

There are no contact details for the owner on the website. 

Due to Christmas holiday closures, the Packet has been unable to confirm any further details with the site's property agent.

The last known update was earlier this month, when the building failed to sell at auction.

It has been empty since March 2017, when budget supermarket Budgens closed after just eight months of trading. Before that it was operated as a Co-op.

Since then it has fallen into an increasing state of disrepair.

It had previously been due for auction back in May, when it had a guide price of £400,000, but was withdrawn at the eleventh hour to allow talks between Truro-based agents SBC Property and a possible buyer.

These subsequently fell through and only last month property agent Barney Peters, with Scott Burridge Commercial, told the Packet that the building was still for sale, with nothing contracted, and that figures were negotiable.

The building has a total gross area of 1,648 square metres (17,748 square feet) and still has 121 years of a 155-year leasehold remaining, with what is described as a "peppercorn rent."