MORE than a dozen workers have been made redundant after Ellesmere Port’s Peacocks store closed with immediate effect when the chain was bought out by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

In total 16 staff at the store on Mercer Walk lost their jobs yesterday as the clothing shop was among the 224 branches not included in the sale.

The Chester branch on Chester Retail Park, which employs 13 people, has also shut its doors, along with Wrexham, where 17 people work.

The Connah’s Quay, Mold and Holywell  branches, employing a total of 34 people, were saved from the axe, but Flint closed with the loss of 22 jobs.

Chris Laverty, joint administrator and restructuring partner at KPMG, said: “The deal ensures the continued trading of a well-known name on the high street.  While it is unfortunate that redundancies have been necessary, we are pleased that we have been able to preserve the majority of the business and jobs.

“Like many other retailers, Peacocks suffered from a decline in consumer spending due to the tough economic conditions and this, combined with a surplus of stores and unsustainable capital structure led to the business becoming financially unviable.

“However, a strong brand presence and loyal customer following meant that Peacocks attracted a great deal of interest from both trade and private equity bidders, leading to today’s successful sale.

“I would take this opportunity to thank the management team and staff for their continued assistance in very difficult circumstances; their support has been invaluable in securing today’s sale.”