Market Drayton's Sports Direct store to close in April
A town has received a major jobs blow after news that one of is biggest shops will close - but another is celebrating after 50 positions were saved.
Market Drayton's Sports Direct store on Frogmore Road is to close in April.
Despite no official confirmation from the firm, a closing down sign has been put up in the window as well as one saying it will close in April. No number of job losses have been confirmed yet.
But in Newtown, Swift Manufacturing Solutions Limited has been sold to design and construction firm F1 Modular Limited – saving a total of 49 jobs.
The Sports Direct store was much-heralded when it opened in the former Poundstretcher store in 2015.
Its closure means residents in the town will have to travel 15 miles to to its nearest branch in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Councillors and residents have today spoken of their sadness at its closure.
Councillor David Minnery, mayor of Market Drayton, said: "It is a real pity. It is a prominent site, it supplies recognised brands at reasonable prices, and of course it provides employment.
"But shops will only survive if people use them in person rather than by buying over the internet.
"The premises are privately owned but I am sure that Shropshire Council will be doing their bit to promote the availability of the premises should they become vacant."
The exact number of people employed at the Market Drayton branch is not known, nor if they will be offered the opportunity to work for another branch.
At the end of last year it was revealed profits at the firm, which is owned by millionaire businessman and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, had taken a hammering following the collapse in sterling.
Swift Manufacturing Solutions Limited
called in Midlands insolvency practitioner and business recovery specialist firm Poppleton & Appleby after experiencing cash flow difficulties.
Swift Manufacturing Solutions Limited, based on the Mochdre Industrial Estate, was established in 2011 and offers off-site manufactured building solutions for businesses.
Matt Hardy, of sellers Poppleton & Appleby, said: "We are delighted that 49 jobs have been saved with our help.
"It shows that if companies make contact with a business recovery specialist early enough, it can lead to a positive outcome for staff and their jobs.
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