Mystery over closure of Ethel Austin shop

Bailiffs have been called in to a busy town centre shop, which shut without warning.

Mystery surrounds the closure of Ethel Austin, in Digbeth, Walsall, as confused shoppers arrived to find the fully-stocked store shut up and in darkness.

Old Square Shopping Centre bosses today said they could not reveal the reason behind the closure. In April, the discount clothing store was placed into administration putting thousands of jobs at risk. But the chain was granted a last-minute reprieve after it was bought out.

Direct Bailiff Services confirmed they had been asked to take action at the Walsall shop.

Byron Crellin, from Direct Bailiff Services, said: "We were instructed to secure the premises but we're not privy to the reasons why."

Signs have been put up in the shop's windows, with scores of curious shoppers stopping to check it out.

The sign says: "These premises have today been seized with the authority of the landlord.

"Notice is hereby served and forfeiture of the lease is effected.

"No unauthorised persons are permitted entry without the prior consent and knowledge of Direct Bailiff Services Ltd or the landlord managing agent."

The notice was served on July 7.

Brett Jerbis, aged 25, of Walsall, who pitches his stall Brett The Pear's Fruit near to Ethel Austin said: "Lots of people have been stopping and asking what is happening there but no-one seems to know.

"I think it was around last Monday that it closed, then it opened up again for a while and shut again.

"It is usually quite a busy store."

There are also Ethel Austin stores in Anchor Parade, Aldridge, High Street, Bloxwich, and in King Street, Darlaston.

Some more stores are located in High Street, Dudley; High Street, West Bromwich; High Street, Bilston; High Street, Stourbridge and High Street, Cradley Heath, Crossways Shopping Centre in Heath Town, Wolverhampton and Union Street, Wednesbury.