“With the news this morning” (9^th April) “that Debenhams have been placed into administration, I am deeply concerned about the future of the Lichfield branch and its employees” says Michael Fabricant.

“I will work with the District Council and the landlords if Debenhams’ administrators ask me to do so to determine what can be done to keep the store open if its future is as risk.  In the meantime, I have been in contact with Marks & Spencer’s management who are keen to open a larger branch of its food store in Lichfield if a suitable location can be found.

“Debenhams has been under financial stress for some time now. The chain’s stores will continue to trade as the lenders seek to refinance and restructure the business by closing unprofitable stores.  The firm has entered administration after the retailer failed to reach a deal with Sports Direct, the department store chain’s largest shareholder.”