The closure of Debenhams and the potential closure of Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis could be a huge blow for Workington.

Debenhams is facing closure after last-ditch attempts to save the retailer failed on Tuesday.

Debenhams has not revealed which of its 124 shops in the UK will close, but if a deal cannot be reached, it is expected all will have to cease trading. It will put 12,000 jobs at risk.

If closed it would leave a large space empty in the middle of Workington town centre.

As well as this Topshop, Burton and Dorothy Perkins owner Arcadia has gone into administration, putting 13,000 jobs at risk.

This puts three stores within Dunmail Park at risk of closure.

Speaking about the news, Janet King, mayor of Workington, said: “If that happens we’re going to have an awful lots of empty shops which is really bad for local people. My heart goes out to all those local people who are losing their jobs

.”

Paul Scott, councillor for Workington feels something needs to be done. He said: "The high street has been the heart of our communities for many years, these are unprecedented times and we face a huge challenge to save them. For a lot of years councils have promoted out of town trading estates for the bigger stores but now is the time to change policy. We need to attract all types of shops on to our high streets and ensure we meet the needs of those visiting our towns. Perhaps by working with landlords and offering incentives to high street shops will help regenerate the town centres

."