There are a number of Wilko stores at risk of closure across the North East as the company has announced it has fallen into administration.

It comes as the homeware and hardware brand failed to secure a “rescue deal”, a week after it filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators from PwC.

Across the UK, there are more than 400 stores affected, putting 12,000 jobs at risk.

Mark Jackson, chief executive officer of Wilko, said the firm had “a significant level of interest” but was “left with no choice but to take this unfortunate action” after being unable to close a deal within time.

In a letter, Mr Jackson said: “Over the past six months Wilko has been very open that we’ve been considering options to accelerate a turnaround plan given that we needed to make significant changes to the way we operate to restore confidence and stabilise our business.

“We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.

“We’ve all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede that time has run out and now we must do what’s best to preserve as many jobs as possible, for as long as is possible, by working with our appointed administrators.”

Wilko stores in the North East at risk of closing as it enters administration

There are 14 Wilko stores in the North East at risk of closing:

  • Wilko - Darlington, East Street
  • Wilko - Thornaby, Vale House Pavillion Shopping Centre
  • Wilko - Northallerton, 166 High Street
  • Wilko - Middlesbrough, 17 Captain Cook Square
  • Wilko - Redcar, 81 High Street
  • Wilko - Newton Aycliffe, Aycliffe Shopping Centre
  • Wilko - Bishop Auckland, Newgate Shopping Square
  • Wilko - Hartlepool, Middleton Grange Shopping Centre
  • Wilko - Peterlee, Castle Dene Shopping Centre
  • Wilko - Durham, Arnison Shopping Centre
  • Wilko - Chester-le-Street, Osborne Roa
  • Wilko - Washington, Washington Galleries
  • Wilko - Sunderland, Fawcett Street
  • Wilko - Newcastle Upon Tyne, Nun Street

Wilko recently suspended its home delivery service online, telling customers it is unable to deliver any orders and instead instructing shoppers to use its click-and-collect service or look for items in its stores.

The note on its website on Wednesday (August 10) said the service was "currently unavailable".

Nadine Houghton, national officer at the GMB union, said: “The 12,000 Wilko workers now facing potential redundancy will take little solace that with better management the situation that has befallen Wilko was, sadly, entirely avoidable.

“GMB has been told time and time again how warnings were made that Wilko was in a prime position to capitalise on the growing bargain retailer market, but simply failed to grasp this opportunity.”

Get the latest breaking news, exclusives and top headlines straight to your phone by joining our Breaking News Whatsapp community. 

To be involved with our Breaking News Community- click here and select Join Chat.