QUEENSFERRY'S Poundworld store will shut next week as part of a series of nationwide closures for the discount retailer.

Administrators to Poundworld are to close a further 40 stores and axe 531 jobs as the firm moves one step closer to disappearing from the high street.

Flintshire's Queensferry store is among those set to close on Tuesday, affecting eight staff members.

Poundworld, which employed around 5,100 people at its peak, collapsed last month, but administrators Deloitte have been unable to find a buyer for the retail chain.

Deloitte assured that discussions with interested parties for the potential sale of "part, or parts of the remaining business" were still ongoing.

Joint administrator Clare Boardman said: "We would like to thank all the employees for their continued support and commitment during this difficult time.

"We are keeping staff appraised of developments as they happen."

Earlier this month, Deloitte announced that 105 stores would shut, impacting around 1,200 jobs.

The latest store closures come as hopes for a rescue of the beleaguered retailer fade.

Poundworld's collapse came amid falling footfall, rising costs and weak consumer confidence.

The budget retail chain, formerly owned by TPG Capital, is one of a number of retailers to call in administrators this year, with both Toys R Us and Maplin disappearing from UK high streets.