POUNDLAND has unveiled plans to take over 20 former Poundworld stores, creating 400 jobs.

But the budget retailer issued a stark warning to high street landlords to "change their expectations" to reflect the tougher retail environment.

Poundworld collapsed into administration in June, resulting in the closure of all 335 of its shops by mid-August and the loss of 5,000 jobs.

Poundland on Thursday said it would re-open the doors of at least 20 stores in October under its own banner.

The first phase will see the opening branches in East Kilbride, Ayr, Edinburgh (Cameron Toll) and Killingworth (Tyne & Wear).

The chain also reiterated its offer of a guaranteed job interview to any former Poundworld staff member.

The sites taken on by Poundland are all larger units, which the company said are needed to accommodate its budget clothing range Pep&Co.

"We're trading strongly and stores with a Pep&Co fashion store are a hit with customers," said Poundland's UK & Ireland managing director Barry Williams.

"That's why we're keen to find larger sites that enable us to bring our widest ranges to more high streets across the country."

"However, we can only do this if landlords really change their expectations about the total cost of occupation to reflect the new realities of UK retail," he added.

It follows news which emerged last month that frozen food retailer Iceland is to take on at least 19 of the empty stores.