DISCOUNT retailer Wilko has given an update on the status of its Cheshire West stores, following an announcement that it plans to appoint administrators.

The brand, which has around 400 stores across the UK including locations in Chester and Ellesmere Port, filed a Notice of Intention (NOI) on Thursday, July 27, after failing to secure a takeover to save the business.

Wilko currently employs 12,000 staff and is the largest remaining privately owned retailer in the UK.

The Standard approached Wilko for comment relating to its stores on Foregate Street in Chester and Marina Walk in Ellesmere Port.

A spokesperson said: "No store closures have been announced and all stores remain open as usual."

The retailer added that reports by several outlets that up to 14 stores are in line to close following the worrying developments in the last fortnight are inaccurate and that these relate to store closures which were in fact announced in January 2022.

Wilko chief executive Mark Jackson last week said: "While we can confirm we have had a significant level of interest, including indicative offers that we believe would meet all our financial criteria to recapitalise the business, at present we do not today have an offer that provides the necessary liquidity in the time we have available, given the mounting cash pressures we’re faced with.

"Unfortunately, with this in mind, today we are having to take the difficult decision to file a notice of intention.

"We will continue to progress discussions with interested parties with the aim of completing a transaction which preserves the business and will encourage those interested parties we’re in discussions with to move as fast as possible.

"We continue to believe that our robust turnaround plan, with significant re-stabilisation cost savings in progress, will deliver a profitable Wilko and maximise the significant opportunities that we know exist."