Edinburgh Woollen Mill confirms its stores and sister company Ponden Home have gone into administration

The firm has announced the two brands have collapsed, leading to the loss of 866 jobs and leaving hundreds more at risk.

The development will mean a total of 64 stores – 56 Edinburgh Woollen Mill branches and eight Ponden Home outlets, will close for good, while the remaining shops will trade while administrators look for a buyer.

Bosses of Edinburgh Woollen Mills’ other brands, Jaeger and Peacocks, have been given an extension by the High Court to avoid administration, which could pave the way for a rescue deal with interested parties.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill has branches in Ponteland, Morpeth, Durham, Stockton, Kingston Park in Newcastle and the Metrocentre in Gateshead.

Homeware company Ponden Home has shops in Gateshead town centre and Royal Quays in North Shields.

Other brands owned by the parent company include Jane Norman and Bonmarche.

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