SCOTS STORES CLOSURES

Carpetright, who have 409 UK shops, said trading had remained “difficult” since their last update on March 1.

The rent on 113 of their stores is set to be slashed under the company voluntary arrangement proposals being put to landlords.

They said the CVA – which is a form of insolvency aimed at protecting a business from going bust by cutting its costs – will help them to “address the competitive threat from a position of strength”.

Landlords will vote on the plans on April 26, while shareholders will have their say on April 30.

Carpetright chief executive Wilf Walsh said: “These tough but necessary AYR LEITH FALKIRK FRASERBURGH GLASGOW PARKHEAD FORGE AND GREAT WESTERN ROAD GREENOCK HAMILTON MERKINCH LIVINGSTON RENFREW WISHAW actions will enable us to address the burden of a legacy UK property estate consisting of too many poorly located stores on unsustainable rents and are essential if we are to restore our profitability and deliver a successful turnaround.”

The rescue deal, which is being handled by big four accountancy firm Deloitte, marks another dark day for the retail sector, which has already seen thousands of jobs axed following the collapse of high-profile names Toys R Us and Maplin.

Clothes shop New Look are also under threat as chains struggle in the face a fall in consumer spending, soaring costs and online competition.