Whitchurch Blockbuster branch to close soon
One of Shropshire's Blockbuster stores is to close in the next few weeks, it has been confirmed.
The store in Brownlow Street, Whitchurch, is to shut with the loss of about five jobs.
But the company's outlets in Shrewsbury and Telford have escaped the axe for now.
The Whitchurch store is to be shut as part of a nationwide closure of 160 stores after the firm went into administration last week.
More than 700 people are being made redundant, with bosses confirming at the weekend 129 of its 528 stores will be shut in addition to 31 which had already been put on notice of closure.
Lee Manning, joint administrator, said store closures had been 'inevitable' after the company became insolvent and entered administration.
"Having reviewed the portfolio with management, the closure plan is an inevitable consequence of having to restructure to a profitable core capable of being sold," he said.
"We would like to thank the company's employees for their support and professionalism during this difficult time. We are also grateful to the customers for their continued support."
Stores are set to close over the next few weeks, with closing down promotions being held to get rid of stock.
They are to remain open for business as usual and customers will be notified in advance of closure so they can return their outstanding rental items beforehand. The standard terms and conditions remain in place.
A dedicated employee helpline has been set up for staff in affected stores.
The firm employs more than 4,000 people in the UK.
Blockbuster is the latest major high street name to collapse in recent weeks.
Last week, Mr Manning said a buyer was being sought with the 'core of the business' still in profit.
No one from the Whitchurch branch wanted to comment today.
