LAKESIDE jobs have been put at risk after a fashion chain went into administration.

Bank, which has a branch at the Thurrock shopping centre, was placed in administration yesterday after years of loss-making and an unsuccessful, 70 per cent discount campaign.

Although no redundancies have been announced, more than 1,500 jobs are at risk while adminstrators Deloitte consider potential interest in the business from several parties.

JD Sports Fashion bought the chain from private equity owners Phoenix Equity partners and management for £18.5 million in 2007.

In November, it disposed of the business to HMV owner Hilco, a retail turnaround business.

JD’s fashion division, which includes the more successful Scotts brand, recently slumped to a half-year loss of £8.2 million despite continued efforts to revive Bank, including through the appointment of a new management team.