The future of east London Wilko stores suffered a fresh blow after an attempt to save the retailer collapsed.
A potential bidder, the only one which planned to protect all 12,500 employees at 400 Wilko sites, missed a deadline set by administrator PwC.
There are seven east London Wilko shops: Romford, East Ham, Walthamstow, Dagenham, Ilford, Barking and Stratford.
RELATED NEWS: East London Wilko stores at risk amidst administration plan
Professional services brand PwC said “it is now clear that no viable offer structure put forward includes the group in its entirety”.
PwC added that 269 support centre workers in Newport and Worksop will have their last day on Monday (August 4).
The administrator said discussions continue with bidders interested in buying parts of the business.
Additional reporting from PA.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here