Dozens of jobs have been lost following the collapse of a carpet retailer.

Allied Carpets went into administration last month after getting into trading difficulties because of the recession.

At the time 400 jobs were saved when 51 stores were sold to a new company called Allied Carpets Retail Limited.

But administrators at BDO Stoy Hayward have failed to find a buyer for most of the chain's remaining portfolio of stores and 142 are being closed immediately.

This includes those in Brighton and Hove, Worthing, Haywards Heath, Horsham and Eastbourne.

The stores in Crawley and Chichester will remain trading while in administration to see if a buyer can be found.

BDO Stoy Hayward said the closures would mean an average of six people at each site would be out of work.

Dermot Power, the firm's business restructuring partner, said: “The particular struggle of retail businesses in the current economic climate and the stagnation of the housing market have clearly played a role in potential investor nervousness about purchasing stores from the Allied portfolio.

“Although we have had a strong level of initial interest in the portfolio, the common concern has been around the lack of visibility of future turnover.

“In addition, many of those who operate in the same industry haven’t been comfortable taking the step to extend their current portfolio in such a tough trading climate.”

Soozie Campbell, Brighton city centre manager, said large retail chains such as Allied are suffering more in the recession because they are being dragged down by underperforming stores in poorer parts of the UK.

She said: “North Street, which is normally home to multiples (nationwide chains), has the highest vacancy rate in the city while areas like the North Laine and The Lanes are doing quite well.”

Ms Campbell applauded traders in these shopping districts for fighting to keep their independent characters.

She added: “People complained about clone towns in the past and these are now becoming ghost towns.”

Allied Carpets customers are being reassured by administrators that all outstanding orders will be fulfilled.

Anyone with questions, should email alliedcarpets@bdo.co.uk or call 0161 817 7585.

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