A BUDGET shoe chain employing nearly 90 workers in the region has gone into administration.

Brantano (UK) Limited, which has eight stores across the North-East and North Yorkshire, is now under the control of administrator PwC.

PwC says Brantano has struggled amid shoppers’ weakening reliance on the high street.

Tony Barrell, lead administrator, revealed all Brantano stores remain open and all staff are still employed while it looks for a buyer.

He added: “The continuing challenging conditions for bricks and mortar retail stores are well documented.

“Like many others, Brantano has been hit hard by the change in consumers’ shopping habits and the evolution of the UK retail environment.

“The administrators are continuing to trade the businesses as normal while we assess the trading strategy over the coming days and weeks.

“Staff will be paid their arrears of wages and salaries, and will continue to be paid for their work during the administration.”

Brantano has outlets in Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Durham City and Consett, County Durham.

Shops also trade in Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Catterick, North Yorkshire, and Washington, Wearside.