Under threat: Blockbuster in Howardsgate

WELWYN Garden City’s branch of troubled DVD rental firm Blockbuster will not be in the first wave of stores to close, it has been confirmed.

This week the chain, which went into administration on Wednesday, announced 129 stores are set to be shut down across the UK.

Administrators Deloitte are currently on the lookout for a buyer.

Last week’s decision meant staff at the Howardsgate store face an anxious wait for news about their jobs.

A Blockbuster spokeswoman told the Welwyn Hatfield Times today (Monday): “The Welwyn Garden City store isn’t on the list (of closures).”

A statement from Deloitte’s Lee Manning said: “The core of the business is still profitable and we will continue to trade as normal in both retail and rental whilst we seek a buyer for all or parts of the business as a going concern.”