DEAL TO SAVE WILKO FALLS THROUGH

Wilko, collapsed into administration earlier in the month, putting 12,000 jobs, including those within Salford, at risk.

A buy out rescue deal for the brand, which claimed would have guaranteed job security for employees over the next two years, has fallen through as the only bidder for the chain - Private equity firm M2 Capital, failed to file paperwork in time.

A bid of £90m for Wilko was made but M2 Capital is said to have been unable to provide proof of funding.

The process of making redundancies at the well known high street retailer will now resume.

There had been rumour that one of Wilko's rivals, such as B&M, Poundland and The Range could be interested in the firm but so far there has been no formal announcement.

Both stores within Salford are expected to close for good in the coming weeks.