DEPARTMENT store Debenhams has revealed that six of its stores will permanently close.

North Wales branches – including Wrexham, Bangor and Llandudno – have been spared for now.

Our sister title, the Chester Standard has also reported that their city centre stores just across the Welsh border will remain for the time being.

In all, the chain will permanently close six branches, including the flagship Oxford Street shop.

It said it had also told staff at stores in Portsmouth, Staines, Harrogate, Weymouth and Worcester last week that they will not reopen and that a total of 320 jobs would be lost.

The company started a liquidation process last month after failing to secure a last-minute rescue sale.

Debenhams' administrator FRP Advisory said it is continuing to talk with potential suitors over the potential sale of all or parts of the business.

The insolvency firm said it still intends to reopen as many stores as possible to sell off stock, despite coronavirus restrictions keeping non-essential retailers shut.

The chain is continuing to sell its stock through online platforms.

Geoff Rowley, joint administrator to Debenhams and partner at FRP, said: "We continue to engage with interested parties over alternative proposals for the future of Debenhams, but inevitably the latest lockdown has had an effect on our plans for the wind-down of the business.

"We regret the impact on those colleagues affected by today's announcement and would like to thank all those who continue to keep the business trading in very difficult circumstances."