BOSSES at a troubled department store are trying to hammer out a deal with Mike Ashley to keep Darlington’s iconic Binns store open, The Northern Echo has learnt.

Talks are underway with the landlord of Darlington’s House of Fraser and representatives of the Sports Direct and Newcastle United owner to try and reach an agreement that will secure the store’s future.

The discussions come just days after Mr Ashley vowed to save 80 per cent of House of Fraser stores as part of his £90m rescue deal, which saw him buy the department store just over an hour after it had plunged into administration.

The Northern Echo understands the talks are at an early stage, but insiders claim they are confident a deal could be reached as early as next month – providing new hope to the 267 workers who are facing uncertainty over their future.

Discussions are expected to centre around business rates and the profitability of the store, which is understood to be about £500,000 a year.

Those fighting for the store on High Row are also expected to argue its location and customer base are reasons for Mr Ashley to keep it open.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s deputy leader, maintained the situation was still “very grim”, but admitted feeling “optimistic” about recent announcements from Mr Ashley.

“There is a fighting chance that we might keep House of Fraser in Darlington,” he said.

“There are no certainties or decisions made, but some of the statements I have seen by Mike Ashley in recent days have made me more optimistic.

“Let me emphasise, the situation is still very grim, we haven’t solved anything yet, but we have an improved fighting chance.”

In an interview with The Sun newspaper earlier this week, Mr Ashley said he was so confident of keeping 80 per cent of House of Fraser’s 59 stores open that “in a year’s time you can hold my feet to the fire on that.”

He also reiterated his wish to make the department store the “Harrods of the high street”.

“You get that kind of personal shopping service in a Harrods – there’s no reason why it couldn’t be rolled out nationally across House of Fraser,” he said.

“We think the biggest and most important thing House of Fraser is missing is luxury brands – we think it will make a big difference.

“It is not taking away from House of Fraser, but adding to it.

“If you get the right product, it is not on the shelves for long.”

Sources claim Mr Ashley is still considering turning some stores into Sports Direct outlets.