FEARS have emerged for the future of Marks and Spencer stores as the company considers a property shake-up.

The group has confirmed it is looking at the closure of some stores, but last night stressed no decisions have been taken.

The review comes as the company's sales continue to slump, with profits falling from about £1bn to just over £500m in two years.

A Marks and Spencer spokeswoman said the group had a large number of properties and examined them on a regular basis.

She said 20 sites were being examined, but no plans had been made at board level.

Marks and Spencer has not disclosed which of the stores it is looking at. But it is thought they could include 19 former Littlewoods outlets bought in a £192m deal three years ago. Among that package was a store in Northumberland Street, Newcastle.

Some reports have suggested that as many as 40 stores were being reviewed and that bosses were already resigned to the closures, but the spokeswoman described this as "speculative".

An announcement is expected in November, when the company's interim results are released.