New owner for Robbs of Hexham department store

A Northumberland department store has been bought by a retail group.

Robbs of Hexham faced closure when its owner, Vergo Retail, went into administration last month.

The store has now been sold to retail group J E Beale, which has pledged to retain the on-site post office.

Northumberland County Council has been working with administrators and property owners to try to keep Robbs open and safeguard more than 100 jobs. It welcomed the purchase.

Councillor Tom Brechany, executive member responsible for regeneration at the council, said: "We will continue to work with the new operators and with Buccleuch Property, who own the building, so that the store continues to benefit the wider retail offer and the economy of Hexham."