A “GLIMMER of hope” has been handed to south Essex as Debenhams stores in south Essex escaped closure.

The retail giant has confirmed the closure of seven stores with the loss of 422 jobs after sliding into administration.

The department store firm said it has agreed terms with landlords to continue trading at 120 of its 142 UK stores.

It is understood the group is in ongoing talks over the remaining stores and is confident more deals will be secured in the coming days.

All Essex stores, including Debenhams in the Eastgate Centre, Basildon and the Royals, Southend, are set to reopen when the UK comes out of lockdown.

The stores set to close are in Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington Spa, Truro, Salisbury, Westfield, West London, Warrington and South Shields.

David Burton-Sampson, Mayor of Basildon, said: “It’s very sad that stores will be closing across the country but its a glimmer of hope for the people of Basildon and Southend that the workers will still have jobs for when we get through these very tough times.

“It gives a little bit of certainty in times of great uncertainty, and it’s good for Basildon that we will have that store there to continue trading, and not an empty unit that will have to be redeveloped into something else.”

Ian Gilbert, leader of Southend Council, said: “These are very uncertain times so its very good news that they are going to remain open after lockdown.

“I go to Debenhams myself to buy things from time to time.

“These are extremely difficult times indeed but this news is welcome, and I do think Southend can come through it all on the other side.”

Stefaan Vansteenkiste, chief executive officer of Debenhams, said: “I’m delighted with the progress we are making with our landlord discussions which reflects the pragmatic view the vast majority of them are taking of the current market conditions.

“We have agreed terms on the vast majority of our UK stores and talks are proceeding positively on the remainder, positioning us to reopen these stores when Government regulations permit.

“Regrettably we have been unable to reach agreement on seven stores and these will not be reopening, and I’d like to express my thanks to our colleagues in these stores at what I know is a difficult time for everyone.”

The company, a staple of high streets for generations, entered administration on April 9.

It appointed FRP Advisory to oversee the process, casting a shadow over the future of its 22,000 staff.

Two weeks ago the firm said its Irish business - which runs 11 stores - will cease trading as part of administration.