ALTRINCHAM'S Debenhams is on a list of 22 department stores set to close.

The George Street store is expected to shut next year alongside other shops across the country.

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

The loss of the 22 shops announced today could put as many as 1,200 jobs at risk.

A spokesman for Trafford Council said: “This is obviously a distressing time for Debenhams staff and their families but the financial problems facing the business have been well documented so the announcement of the closure has not come as a complete shock.

“Altrincham remains a thriving town centre and while the closure is a setback we are working with the owners of the Stamford Quarter where Debenhams is based to look at the future use for the premises.

“We are confident that Altrincham will continue to attract interest from other businesses and will remain a place where people want to invest.”

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