County stores escape the axe

Lancashire’s Debenhams outlets have escaped the axe in the first round of closures announced by the department store chain as part of its restructuring plans.

Around 1,200 staff work at the 22 stores that are affected were told the news by management this morning.

Debenhams department stores in Preston, Blackpool and Blackburn were not on the list. However, stores in Southport and in Altrincham are among the casualties.