150JOBSLOSTAS OFF-LICENCESSHUT; Recessionblamed for more closures.

Byline: ALAN WESTON

A TOTAL of 150 jobs are to go across Merseyside as administrators of a collapsed chain of off-licences announced another swathe of store closures.

First Quench,which trades as Threshers, The Local, Wine Rack, Bottoms Up,VictoriaWine and Haddows, fell into administration in October after struggling through the recession.

Administrators KPMG yesterday said 381 stores around the country would be axed, including 24 on Merseyside employing 150 people.

The vast majority trade under The Local brand name, with a smaller number of Threshers and Wine Rack outlets.

The closures announced yesterday are in addition to the 18 stores it was announced would close earlier this month, with the loss of 97 jobs.

A smaller number of off-licences in Ormskirk, Runcorn and Warrington will also be shutting their doors.

Head of restructuring and joint administrator Richard Fleming said KPMG said he was in "advanced talks" over the sale of the business with around 500 stores being of interest to would-be purchasers.

But he added: "Unfortunately there has not been sufficient interest in these 381 stores as part of the going concern sale so we have no option but to close them."

The stores will close by December 16 with stock sales beginning on November 24, KPMG said.

Mr Fleming said however there had been "an enormous amount of interest" in the sites from more than 700 small local businesses and private individuals.

Before falling into administration, First Quench originally operated around 1,200 stores and employed around 6,300 staff.

But the firmsuccumbed amid stiff competition from rival off-licences and cheep supermarket booze.