City mourns a death in the family.

SUNDERLAND's oldest department store faces possible closure because it has been cut off from cutstomers by the city council, it was claimed.

Merchant Retail chief executive Philip Newton believes Sunderland city council's treatment of Joplings department store is one of the main reasons that had forced the group to sell.

Joplings employs 181 staff at its John Street store but these jobs could be lost if a buyer is not found for the store by autumn.

Mr Newton claimed: "Joplings in Sunderland has suffered as a result of the Bridges shopping centre. We have been left 400 metres from the city centre.

"We made a pitch to get the spot now occupied by Debenhams, but we did not get it. From then the writing was on the wall. Sunderland City Council must take some responsibility. Joplings has been in Sunderland for 200 years but we have been divorced from the town centre and the consequences are there for all to see."

Sunderland City Council leader Bob Symonds denied the store had been excluded from its plans.

He said that he was writing to the chairman of the Merchant Retail Group to offer the council's services and support to assist them in finding a buyer for the stores that are being put up for sale.

Mr Symonds said: "The council has carried out significant improvements in Fawcett Street and John Street which improved pedestrian linkages across the city centre, improving the accessibility of Joplings to customers. A 650-space multi-storey car park is also opening soon in Sunniside."

He added: "We will offer 100 per cent support to Joplings as a business of very long standing in the City to maintain their viability for the foreseeable and long-term future."

North-East Chamber of Commerce Tyne and Wear area manager Tim James said: "The closure of Joplings would be a great blow to Sunderland.

"It is a good, honest business and a well-respected retailer in Sunderland but it seems to have been marginalised in recent years.

"I hope they do find a buyer because it will be a great pity if it closes."

Mr Newton admits that breaking news of the sale to the store's 181 staff was one of the toughest things he has had to do as chief executive.

"It was like the death of a much loved relative. I feel like I have failed the staff but hopefully we will find a buyer."