Readers have reacted with sadness to the possible prospect of losing their nearby Wilko.

The chain today (August 10) announced it has collapsed into administration, putting 12,000 jobs at 400 UK stores under threat.

The home and hardware chain has seven east London shops: Romford, East Ham, Walthamstow, Dagenham, Ilford, Barking and Stratford.

Readers left a number of social media comments following a story The Recorder ran about Wilko announcing its stores were "at risk".

Georgie Bates Wesley said that the prospect of these closures was "devastating".

Ruth Kettle added: "Oh no! I've got two friends who will be very unhappy to hear this."

RELATED NEWS: Wilko collapses into administration putting 12,000 jobs and London stores at risk

Another reader observed that his local store had recently looked understocked.

"A shame really as it used to be a really good shop," said Matthew John Edwards.

For another commenter, the loss of Wilko signified a blow to the high street.

"So sad to see all our high streets disappearing," said Jennifer Griffin.