Fears over the future of Mothercare store in Derry after firm announces 50 outlets to close across the UK

There are fears over the future of the Mothercare store at the Crescent Link in Derry after the firm announced it is to close 50 stores across the UK.

The move will put 800 jobs at risk.

The baby products retailer has also agreed a rent cut with landlords for 21 of its stores.

Mothercare has five stores in the north, including one at Crescent Link Retail Park.

While the has not yet announced which 50 stores will be closed, clarity is now being sought over the future of the Derry store.

The Waterside SDLP councillor Martin Reilly said he had contacted the firm to determine what its plans were for the store.

"This is a very worrying time for the staff at the Crescent Link outlet and I would hope that we can get some clarity from Mothercare in the coming days on what its future plans are for the store," he said.

In a statement, Mothercare said: “Recent financial performance, impacted in particular by a large number of legacy loss making stores within the UK estate, has resulted in a perilous financial condition for the group.”