Border Business

Debenhams has unveiled plans to axe up to 50 high street shops in the UK, putting around 4,000 jobs at risk.

The department store chain has shops in Carlisle, Workington and Dumfries.

It's unclear whether the stores in our region will be affected.

It comes after the announcement earlier this month, that New Look in Carlisle will close. But House of Fraser in Carlisle will remain open.

Debenhams say the closures will take place over a three to five year period and the announcement comes alongside a dire set of financial figures.

New Look is to close its store in Carlisle, putting around 35 jobs at risk.

The fashion retailer will cease trading from the property in The Lanes Shopping Centre on 3 November.

It's understood the decision may have been influenced by competition from rival businesses, as well as financial pressures.

A bid has been launched to bring the 2021 Rugby World Cup to Workington.

The town hosted matches during the 2013 tournament and Allerdale Borough Council wants to stage games again in four years time.

The council says it could bring nearly two and a half million pounds in to the local economy.