The report from The Local Data Company revealed that the more than 300 former Woolworths stores out of 807 in the north-west are still not occupied.

But the occupancy levels have increased as compared to the previous year when 60 percent of the stores in July were empty, much higher than 40 percent this year.

Some experts believed that nearly 20 percent or 150 stores of the retailer would never be used as shops again.

According to report, the level of occupancy across the north-west has increased from 38 percent in 2009 to 59 percent.

Nearly one fourth of the stores are now being used by discount retailer such as 99p Stores, B&M Bargains and Poundland, whereas 15 percent of the group's stores have become supermarkets.

Remaining stores have been become department stores, clothes shops and household goods stores, chemists shop, carpet shops, bookstores and convenience stores.

60 percent of the premises have been taken by Frozen food chain Iceland, followed by 25 percent together occupied by 99p Stores, B&M Bargains and Poundland.

The retailer went into administration in 2008 due to increased competition from supermarkets and online retailers.