WILKO staff have been offered support ahead of the store’s closure.

The Winsford branch of the high-street retailer will shut for good today after the company fell into administration.

Now Cheshire West and Chester Council has been in touch with the store’s manager to offer support to their staff.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, said: “Wilko has been a familiar and popular face on our high streets for many years, it’s sad to see the closure of stores across the country and in Cheshire West.”

The council will be offering staff at the Winsford store, as well as staff at the Ellesmere Port branch, the chance to make use of Work Zones.

Work Zones, which can be found in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford, provide a range of support and guidance to employees and employers.

Wilko staff will be able to access one to one employment mentoring to help shape their CVs, search for jobs and prepare for interviews.

They will also be provided with links to local recruiting employers, specialist careers guidance, information on benefits, advice on starting up a business or going self-employed, and more.

Councillor Pardoe added: “It’s an especially tough time for their staff, which is why the council’s Work Zones are ready to offer practical help and advice with dedicated support programmes and a job matching service.

“I’m grateful to Cheshire West and Chester Council Work Zone staff for proactively contacting managers in local stores.

“Our Work Zones will support all Wilko staff who are impacted by a store closure.”

The Winsford Wilko is one of 24 which will close on Tuesday (September 12).

Elsewhere in Cheshire, the Ellesmere Port and Crewe branches will close for good on Sunday (September 17).

The chain’s remaining stores are all set to shut by early October after administrators failed to secure a deal from any suitor to buy the business.