Troubled budget retailer Wilko has called in administrators, putting more than 12,000 jobs at risk - including Hitchin - after it failed to agree a rescue deal.

The family-owned household and garden products retailer, which has around 400 stores nation-wide, including a shop on Bancroft in Hitchin town centre, is set to close numerous outlets.

As Nub News has previously reported, the move comes after weeks of talks with potentially interested parties failed to resolve deep-lying structural issues.

But today, CEO Mark Jackson, said in an open letter they had "no choice" but to enter into administration.

He said: "We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we've no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.

"I'd like to take this opportunity on behalf of the directors and the Wilkinson family to thank all of our customers and our hardworking team members across our stores, logistics and support centre who remained loyal to Wilko."

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Hitchin: Wilko set to call in administrators leaving jobs at Bancroft store at risk