BOLTON’S Debenhams will remain open after it was not included in a list of 22 stores set to close across the country.

The shop, located in the Market Place Shopping Centre, has been under pressure as the company attempts to make savings in order to deal with growing financial concerns.

The stores announced by Debenhams yesterday - including locations in Altrincham, Southport and Birmingham - are expected to close next year, putting as many as 1,200 jobs at risk.

In the long term, the high street giant says it is looking to shut a total of 50 shops to combat ongoing financial concerns, prompting fears that more closures could be on the way.

It comes in the wake of poor financial performance, which saw sales in UK stores fall to 7.4 percent for the 26 weeks to March, which Debenhams blamed on fewer shoppers heading to the high street.

The firm's financial situation has been continually deteriorating and last month Debenhams agreed a deal with its lenders, who provided £200m of fresh funding.

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has called for urgent talks with the new owners of the company.

National officer Dave Gill said: “We again urge the company to engage with Usdaw the trade union for Debenhams staff.

"It’s crucial that the staff and their voice should be heard and they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

"We will continue to provide our members with the support and advice they need at this very difficult time.”

The stores expected to close are:

  • Altrincham
  • Ashford
  • Birmingham Fort
  • Canterbury
  • Chatham
  • Eastbourne
  • Folkestone
  • Great Yarmouth
  • Guildford
  • Kirkcaldy
  • Orpington
  • Slough
  • Southport
  • Southsea
  • Staines
  • Stockton
  • Walton
  • Wandsworth
  • Welwyn Garden City
  • Wimbledon
  • Witney
  • Wolverhampton