COLLAPSED music and DVD retailer HMV is to close 3 more stores in the region leading to the loss of almost 50 jobs, administrators Deloitte have said.
The closures of branches in Middlesbrough, Scarborough and Silverlink shopping park near Newcastle are likely to take place over the next four to six weeks. The administrators said they will shut 37 stores nationwide, bringing total job losses to 1,394 since January.
The latest wave of closures, which affect 464 jobs across the UK, mean nearly half of HMV's 223 outlets will be axed.
"This step has been taken in order to enhance the prospects of the restructured business continuing as a going concern," said Nick Edwards, one of the joint administrators.
"We are extremely grateful to the staff for their continued strong support and commitment during an understandably difficult period."
The announcement came as it emerged Elton John is one of a number of A-List stars who will perform in branches of HMV in a bid to revive interest in the struggling firm.
Guy Farrow, John's spokesperson, said: "Elton has always been a big supporter of record shops. He will be doing something with HMV although as yet we cannot confirm what or when that would be."
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