Waterstones has been forced to defend itself against accusations of "subterfuge" after the book retailer announced the opening of three unbranded stores.

The stores in Rye, Southwold and Harpenden opened under different names - with just a handwritten notice in the window stating the owners' true identity - and have been criticised over claims that they are posing as independent book shops.

Local competitors have reportedly complained about the strategy and said that the new book stores would have been opposed by local traders in the town if they had been made aware that they were owned by Watersones.

James Daunt, managing director of Waterstones, denied the company was using subterfuge to attract customers.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme he said: "The vast majority have welcomed them greatly. They are very small shops in towns that had independents and very much wish they still had independents but don't.

"We can't open up great big Waterstones here but we can open up small ones. We are coming into quite sensitive high streets with predominantly independent retailers on them and we wish to behave as they do."