Fashion chain in cash crisis

A fashion chain formed following the collapse of Ethel Austin was today in administration, sparking fears for more than 1,000 jobs including 100 in the West Midlands.

Life & Style Retail, which runs 91 shops across the UK, has come under fierce competition from Primark and Matalan.

The company was formed from the remnants of the Ethel Austin fashion chain, which collapsed in March last year resulting in the closure of six branches in the Black Country and another in Stafford.

Simon Bonney, the joint administartor, said today the business will continue to trade as normal while a buyer is sought.

But he added: "Some of the stores are expected to close in the coming weeks."

Based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, the company has high street shops in Blackheath, Bloxwich, Dudley, Stourbridge, as well as a branch in Wednesbury and others in Rugeley and Stone.