100 jobs to go as Focus DIY stores to close

Five Focus DIY stores in the West Midlands will close within a week, meaning the loss of more than 100 jobs.

Administrators have announced that outlets in Wolverhampton, Wednesfield, Kingswinford, Aldridge and Walsall will shut between now and Tuesday.

It had been hoped that some of the stores would be saved.

There are 101 jobs that will go across the region's stores, according to administrators Ernst & Young.

Simon Allport, from the firm, said: "We would like to thank all Focus DIY employees for their continued support in what has been a difficult and uncertain time."

Focus went into administration at the beginning of last month and it was announced that 122 stores across the country would close, with the loss of 3,000 jobs.

Buyers were found for a further 55 stores, including the shop in Brownhills, securing 19 jobs.

But Ernst & Young has announced final trading dates for all of the stores that will close.They include the loss of 17 jobs at shops in Wolverhampton and 17 in Wednesfield, 18 in Walsall, 19 in Aldridge and a further 30 in Kingswinford will go over the next seven days.

Kingfisher, owner of B&Q, has acquired 31 branches for £23 million. It plans to open them as B&Q stores. Owner of Wickes, Travis Perkins has bought 13 stores.