One of north Herts' largest remaining department stores has dropped a hint jobs could be at risk.

Roles at Debenhams, located at Stevenage's Roaring Meg retail park, five miles from Hitchin, could be under threat following news that emerged this week.

Its parent company, currently in administration, is facing a financial crisis which has already seen the brand shut 20 stores.

Debenhams said the current trading environment for retailers was still 'a long way from returning to normal.'

Debenhams said in a statement on Tuesday: "Difficult decisions are being taken by many retailers right now, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to give [the company] every chance of a viable future.

"We have to ensure our store costs are aligned with realistic expectations," it added.

The chain said that people affected had been informed and thanked them for their 'service and commitment'.

"We have successfully reopened 124 stores post-lockdown, and these are currently trading ahead of management expectations."

The chain were already facing a challenging environment on the high street even before lockdown with Debenham's Terry Duddy saying in a statement last year : "The issues facing the UK high street are very well known.

"Debenhams has a clear strategy and a bright future, but in order for the business to prosper, we need to restructure the group's store portfolio and its balance sheet.

"Our priority is to save as many stores and as many jobs as we can, while making the business fit for the future."

However, the Stevenage store did post some of the strongest growth across the country when compared to other Debenhams stores and had only recently reopened following lockdown.

The company is not releasing information about specific stores at this moment.