A TROUBLED menswear retailer has been rescued from administration, but some North-East workers face redundancy in another blow to the region’s high streets.

Greenwoods, known for its clothing and suit hire services, has been bought by Versatile International Trading.

The deal has saved shops in Darlington and Redcar.

However, outlets in Bishop Auckland, Durham City, Middlesbrough and Newcastle will close, leaving a handful of staff without jobs.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said he was delighted to see such “a stalwart of the high street” remain in the town.

However, Durham County Councillor Sam Zair, who runs a café in Bishop Auckland, called for landlords to slash rents to protect that town’s high street, saying “something needs to be done to attract other shops.”

Greenwoods, founded as a hat shop by Sir Willie Greenwood in 1860, fell into administration last month, with bosses blaming “challenging” retail conditions for its woes.

Under the terms of the rescue package, the firm, which once had more than 200 shops nationwide, will see its existing 62-store estate shrink to 40.

The 22 closures will result in 88 redundancies across the country, with the 40 remaining stores providing work for 181 people.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Cllr McEwan said he was happy to see Greenwoods staying in Darlington, adding the council is working hard to strengthen its high street offering.

He said: “Greenwoods is a stalwart of the high street and whenever I walk past Skinnergate, I often see a lot of people in there.

“Our job is to work with traders and businesses to create the right environment for a strong high street.

“You cannot ignore the impact of internet shopping, but you also cannot ignore that people like to see and touch what they’re buying.

“What we are trying to do is create an environment where people can shop, eat, drink, enjoy leisure time and do business, like in the Department for Education offices.”

However, Cllr Zair said the loss of Greenwoods represents another blow to Bishop Auckland’s high street, particularly as it comes just days before the town’s Argos store moves into a Sainsbury’s supermarket.

“It’s very disappointing that Greenwoods has to close,” said Cllr Zair.

“They have served this town well for many years and it is sad when things come to an end, especially like this.

“It’s another empty shop on the high street and something needs to be done to attract other shops to the town.

“I believe it is the landlords that need to take action and reduce rents.

“Some money is better than no money at all.”

The Echo last month reported how Greenwoods’ struggles had affected customers, with Toni and Andrew Brown, from West Auckland, County Durham, revealing they had been forced to pay hundreds of pounds to release suits ordered for their wedding.

However, when the garments arrived, the couple found outfits chosen for the groom and his five groomsmen were far too big.

The retailer’s rescue deal will see further outlets in Sunderland, Scarborough and South Shields, South Tyneside, remain open.

Joint administrator Adrian Berry, of Deloitte, said: “This sale represents the best outcome for the business.

“A significant proportion of employees now have their jobs protected and we would like to thank all of them for their support.”

Readers on The Northern Echo’s Facebook page have given their reaction to the news that Greenwoods will be staying in Darlington.

Stuart Stoke Swinney Austin said: I bought a really nice coat from them in the sale, it was cheap but great quality and I still love it. Pleased for the staff it is staying open.

Debs Wood-Ives said: We hired wedding suits from there. Friendly, helpful staff and great deals.

Lisa Walker said: My dad bought a suit here a few weeks ago. Staff were very attentive and helpful.

Richard Tricky said: Lovely store, lovely staff. Manageress stayed back after closing to help me with a suit for a christening.