Nine HMV staff will lose their jobs after administrators at the cash-strapped music chain confirmed the Charles Square store was one of 66 earmarked for closure.

The announcement last Thursday is a blow for the town centre as another shop will be empty alongside those in the northern part of the town, which will be demolished for regeneration.

Bracknell's HMV identified for closure

But one of the town’s regeneration chiefs is urging other Bracknell firms to help the workers being made redundant by considering them for any vacancies.

Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, Bracknell Forest Council’s executive member for economic development and regeneration, said: “It is very sad news. HMV has been in the town centre for a long time.

“I hope any other retailers in the town centre that have vacancies will be able to help re-employ as many of the HMV staff as possible. We all have to help each other out. The guys that work in there are brilliant.

“If there are companies out there who need staff, let’s help get them a job.

“Although it is a sad event, the regeneration will bring huge improvements to the town centre – 55 new shops and half a million square feet of retail space.”

Store Closing signs and 50 per cent off posters have been put in the shop’s window, with the closure expected to be within the next two months.

Nick Edwards, joint administrator at Deloitte, said the closures were to secure the future of the business and thanked staff for their support during an ‘understandably difficult period’.

Rob Boobyer, owner of Boutiqu in Charles Square, said: “Any shops closing in the town centre are going to make it difficult.

“But the regeneration will be excellent – it will turn it into a brilliant place for people to come shopping. If we can hold onto other shops in the meantime that would be positive.”

Nick Dobinson, manager at F Hinds Jewellers, Charles Square, added: “It is sad they are going and it is a difficult time. Once the town is redeveloped it should be a more positive picture.”

Helen Barnett, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership marketing manager, added: “It is sad to lose any retailers from the town centre. But, as we unveiled in January, the plans for the regeneration of the Northern part of the town centre are progressing apace. Cineworld and Marks & Spencer have confirmed they are coming and we will be welcoming Poundworld to Princess Square in the summer.”

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