DEBENHAMS has confirmed plans for up to 22 store closures, putting 1,200 jobs at risk - but the Newport Friars Walk store is not among them.

The retailer was placed into administration earlier this month, with its lenders seizing control.

The company has hundreds of stores across 22 countries, including the anchor store in Newport's Friars Walk shopping centre.

The move was expected to trigger store closures and job losses as part of a wider restructuring that will see around 50 outlets shut via a Company Voluntary Arrangement.

The 22 stores announced today are part of the 50 Debenhams had previously said would shut over the coming years.

The stores are: Altrincham, Ashford, Birmingham Fort, Canterbury, Chatham, Eastbourne, Folkestone, Great Yarmouth, Guildford, Kirkcaldy, Orpington, Slough, Southport, Southsea, Staines, Stockton, Walton, Wandsworth, Welwyn Garden City, Wimbledon, Witney, Wolverhampton.

At the time of the lenders taking control of Debenhams, its chairman Terry Duddy said: "It is disappointing to reach a conclusion that will result in no value for our equity holders.

"However, this transaction will allow Debenhams to continue trading as normal; access the funding we need; and proceed with executing our turnaround plans while deleveraging the group's balance sheet.

"We remain focused on protecting as many stores and jobs as possible, consistent with establishing a sustainable store portfolio in line with our previous guidance.

"In the meantime, our customers, colleagues, pension holders, suppliers and landlords can be reassured that Debenhams will now be able to move forward on a stable footing. I would like to thank them all for their recent and continuing support."