Off-License Goes Off-Line

Following the collapse of Wine Cellar Ltd on Wednesday, the Simply Drinks Bedlington Branch on Front Street West has closed with immediate effect.

The company which operated under the Booze Busters, Simply Drinks and Simply Food & Drinks Brands had 170 stores, the majority being in the North West and North East of the country.

Administrators Deloitte announced yesterday that a deal had been struck to sell 109 stores to EFB retail, but the remaining 61 stores closed today having failed to tempt any further buyers.

The closures have resulted in about 320 job losses nationwide. Deloitte partner Bill Dawson, said: "We will be working closely with the Redundancy Payments Office to provide support for these staff."

On a more upbeat note, Bedlington.co.uk would like to welcome "The Head Shed" to the town, a newly opened Barber's Shop taking the place of D&G Computer Media in the Market Place.