DEBENHAMS has named the first 22 of its 50 shops which will close – and Warrington’s store is not on the list.

Department store closures are set to begin next year, putting 1,200 jobs at risk.

But the Golden Square Shopping Centre branch has been spared the axe, at least for the time being.

Nearby branches in Altrincham and Southport are among those outlets named in the first wave of closures.

However, more Debenhams store closure announcements are still to be expected.

Earlier this month, lenders took control of the retail giant – with new owners including Barclays and the Bank of Ireland, as well as American investment firms.

Debenhams chief executive Terry Duddy said: "Debenhams has a clear strategy and a bright future, but in order for the business to prosper we need to restructure the group's store portfolio and its balance sheet – which are not appropriate for today's much changed retail environment.

"Our priority is to save as many stores and as many jobs as we can, while making the business fit for the future."

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Warrington’s Debenhams store was trading ‘very well’ – with hopes raised that it will remain open.

Warrington Borough Council are understood to be monitoring the situation.

READ > Debenhams in Warrington is trading 'very well'

The 22 Debenhams which are confirmed to be closing:

  • Altrincham
  • Ashford
  • Birmingham
  • Fort
  • Canterbury
  • Chatham
  • Eastbourne
  • Folkestone
  • Great Yarmouth
  • Guildford
  • Kirkcaldy
  • Orpington
  • Slough
  • Southport
  • Southsea
  • Staines
  • Stockton
  • Walton
  • Wandsworth
  • Welwyn Garden City
  • Wimbledon
  • Witney
  • Wolverhampton