Scarborough's high street could take another hit as Bonmarche goes into administration

Women’s value clothing chain Bonmarche has fallen into administration again - the second time in just over a year.

More than 1,500 jobs are understood to be under threat.

Bonmarche’s 225 stores will continue to trade and there are no redundancies yet as administrators look to agree a rescue deal.

Scarborough Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and President of Scarborough Chamber of Trade Janet Jefferson said: “It is another blow for the Brunswick Centre.

“Bonmarche is a popular and well-known brand that suits the pocket.”

Yesterday it was announced that Debenhams - which occupies a large space in Scarborough’s Brunswick Shopping Centre - is being wound down.

Stores will remain trading to clear stock but if no last-minute buy-outs come forward, they will then shut.

The Debenhams announcement came just hours after Topshop and Dorothy Perkins-owner Arcadia - which also has stores in Scarborough's Brunswick Centre - collapsed into administration, putting 13,000 jobs across the country at risk.

Scarborough has already lost several shops and businesses including Clarks, on Newborough, Pizza Express on Sandside, and Pizza Hut on Huntriss Row.

Meanwhile, Cllr Jefferson said she was pleased to see Scarborough town centre busy this morning with Christmas shoppers.

She described the atmosphere as “buoyant”, and said many seemed to be taking advantage of all shops being open again following the four-week national lockdown.