THE THREATENED closure of Woolworths could signal more Macclesfield job cuts – and the end of an era for Mill Street shoppers.

The store, which employs 26 staff members, has become an integral part of the town, but its future is uncertain after the company went into administration last week.

The downfall of the British institution comes hard on the heels of the shutdown of MFI, at Lyme Green Park on London Road.

The site closed last month, shedding four jobs – before the company went into administration last week – after it was not included in a management buy-out in September.

Meanwhile, the Woolworths site is one of 800 across the country which could close if a bail-out is not forthcoming.

Helen Earley, 48, a housewife from North Rode, said: "I’ll be very sad if it goes. It will be the end of an era. Woolworths tends to be much cheaper than other retailers, especially for computer games. Maybe there will be an 11th hour buy out – I certainly hope so."

Kirsty Stocker, 25, a mum-of-three, of Pitt Street, Macclesfield, is disgusted that Woolworths could possibly close down.

She said: "If we can save the banks then why can’t we save Woolworths? Me and my family have always come here. This is pretty much the only place we can afford to go. I shop here almost every day. It’s fantastic, they have so many offers. If I had enough money, I’d buy it, it’s great."

Another shopper said: "I think it’s very sad. So many people will be unemployed. I have always used Woolworths, it’s such a shame."

Woolworths Plc were unable to offer any assurances for staff.

A spokeswoman said: "Stores continue to trade as normal. It is too early to give any indication on the future of any stores or staff."

Neville Kahn, Nick Dargan and Dan Butters have been appointed joint administrators to Woolworths Plc, and Entertainment UK Ltd (E.UK), the wholesale division of Woolworths Group Plc.

A spokesman said stores will remain open past Christmas, employees will be paid and a team is working to stabilise the business.

He said they had received enquiries from businesses interested in the £358million bail-out.

"We are working hard to ensure that any sale of the business, in whole or part, will preserve jobs."