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Future of Debenhams stores in Border region unclear

Credit: PA

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.

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New Look to close Carlisle store

New Look Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images

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.

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Workington bids for 2021 Rugby World Cup

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.

Workington Rugby Club Credit: ITV News Border

Edinburgh Woollen Mill move to Carlisle confirmed

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Langholm Credit: ITV Border

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill has confirmed a date is set for its site in Langholm to move to Carlisle.

Scottish Secretary and Dumfriesshire MSP David Mundell made the claim on Twitter.

He called on the retailer to recognise the support the community has provided 'over many years'.

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A spokesperson for the EWM Group said:

The decision to move to Carlisle was not taken lightly or quickly, but EWM Group is expanding and our current premises in Langholm are not capable of supporting a modern, fast-growing, national retail development.

Langholm has played a critical role in our company's history and heritage, and we will be retaining our headquarters building there.

We have ambitions to turn the building into a heritage centre which celebrates the role that both Edinburgh Woollen Mill and textiles has played, and continues to play, in Scotland."

– EWM Group spokesperson

The date of the move will be on or around 30 July 2018.

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