DEBENHAMS has confirmed plans for up to 22 store closures, putting 1,200 jobs at risk.

Stores on Eagles Meadow in Wrexham and The Colisuem, Cheshire Oaks, have not been earmarked for closure.

The retailer says the store closures will start next year.

Some of the stores earmarked to close include Wolverhampton and Kirkcaldy.

Earlier this month lenders to Debenhams took control in a deal which wiped out the investments of shareholders.

"Debenhams has a clear strategy and a bright future, but in order for the business to prosper, we need to restructure the group's store portfolio and its balance sheet, which are not appropriate for today's much changed retail environment," said Terry Duddy, Debenhams executive chairman.

Of its 166 stores, Debenhams will retain 39 at current rents. Rent reductions ranging from 25% to 50% will be sought on more than 100 others.

Stores expected to close in 2020:

  • 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